Chiang Rai News
Ministry Proposes Ban on People in Pickup Trucks from Splashing Water During Songkran Festival
CHIANG RAI – The Ministry of Interior aims to ban the practice of carrying water containers on pickup trucks and splashing water down from the trucks, for the upcoming Songkran water festival.
An Interior Ministry meeting to discuss reducing road accidents and casualties during Songkran holiday has set April 11-17 as days when tight control on the road will be implemented. Aiming to increase road safety during the period of water play, the meeting agreed to switch from the previous model of using a central command center that issued guidelines to provincial officials to a model that allows provincial administrators to adjust their methods to best fit their localities.
Under the new model, provincial governors must lay down measures and guidelines for districts, municipalities and other local administrative bodies to follow and implement. Every province must establish zoning for Songkran water play. People on pickup trucks will be banned from splashing water on public roads, in order to reduce the risk of accident occurring.
The Public Health Ministry is warning the public to beware of health problem risks from outdoor exercises and activities in the face of scorching hot weather.
Director-General of the Health Department Dr. Jedsada Chokdamrongsuk, on Thursday, expressed worries about rising temperature in Thailand and its impact on people who are to engage in outdoor activities over a certain period of time.
Dr. Jedsada stated that such conditions can lead to dehydration and heat stroke, particularly among pregnant women, children and obese people.
He said that the at-risk groups are to take good care of themselves, especially against heat stroke, which is caused by excessive heat that the body cannot catch up with in time and eventually drives body temperature above 40 degree Celsius.
In that case, the situation, coupled with dehydration, can worsen fast and may eventually become fatal for the person who suffers all of these conditions.
Therefore, the Health Department Director-General is urging people, who are at risk of such problems, to avoid staying or exercising outdoor and under the sun for too long, particularly on a very hot day, while drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water each day and refraining from alcoholic drinks.
In addition, Dr. Jedsada suggested the public to opt for light-color clothing made of natural fabric that allows airflow and also to wear sun protection lotion SPF15 or stronger before going out.
