Drought conditions have forced Thai officials to shorten the popular Songkran New Year celebration as a water-conservation measure. The government feels that water used in the New Year festivities, which involve dousing people with water, can be better used for household consumption.
BMA Deputy Governor Amorn Kijchawengkul said that festivities will be reduced to three days, from 12-14 April until 9:00 p.m. to save water. In other regions, the festivities will last for five days, from 13-17 April, since 16-17 April fall on the weekend.