Songkran water splashing limited to basketball courts in Kowloon City

Hong Kong’s celebrations of the Thai New Year, Songkran, were limited to several basketball courts at Carpenter Road Park in Kowloon City over the weekend.

Participants in the festival, known for its water splashing, had to register beforehand.

Last year, three men were charged after soaking several police officers during Songkran on South Wall Road, also known as Little Thailand.

Alice Choi, District Officer for Kowloon City, said water splashing had to be restricted for “safety reasons”.

“It is actually safer for the kids to stay inside a basketball court than play outside on the road,” said Patrick Ho, 39, a father of two. 

“It feels great to experience the local Thai Songkran festival traditions in Hong Kong without travelling to Thailand, I think this is one of the great points that can attract more visitors to come,” Ho said.

“Today’s atmosphere is fine, but I think the water-splashing celebration is not as enthusiastic as before,” said Vickey Chan, another reveller.

“The celebrations used to be held on the street,and everyone could attend and didn’t need to register. Some visitors may find it troublesome and don’t want to attend this time around,” said Chan.

Stall owner, Antia Fong, thought there were fewer visitors this year than in the past.

“If the government can ease the restrictions to allow the public to fully participate in the activity, more people will come,” she said.

“There were not as many people as expected because of the hot weather today, but more people might come around 4 to 5 o’clock when it’s less hot,” said Fong.