The alcohol-free Songkran campaign will not put off people from going out to have fun during the festival, according to the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth).
The foundation was citing the results of a survey on last year's alcohol-free Songkran push.
Nearly 81% of people asked about their opinion of the campaign during last year's festival said they agreed with the idea because they believe if less alcohol is consumed it will mean less crime and violence, said Supreeda Adulyanon, manager of ThaiHealth.
Brawls, overly aggressive water splashing and accidents topped the public's concerns, which make many dread going out to celebrate, he said, citing the survey.
Wasanu Srithawong, a manager for public policy of the StopDrink Network, an anti-alcohol drinking advocacy group, said what is actually of more concern in efforts to combat the irresponsible drinking of alcohol is the so-called "midnight Songkran".
Hidden forms of marketing strategies are being used by alcoholic beverage firms as an opportunity to boost sales, he said, adding that most night-time Songkran events are held at nightclubs and popular night entertainment venues nationwide.
Night-time Songkran celebrations often lead to alcohol-fuelled violence, and sexual abuse and harassment, he said.
The events run counter to the push this year among some safer road advocates to do away with drinking in some areas altogether.
Sutthiphong Chulcharoen, director-general of the Department of Local Administration, said the Interior Ministry this year plans to declare more than 3,200 Songkran celebration spots nationwide "safe and free of alcohol".
Meanwhile, deputy national police chief Chalermkiat Srivorakhan said members of the public are being encouraged to use the "Police I Lert U", a smartphone application they may find useful to report crimes or accidents, especially during Songkran.
With just a few taps on a smartphone, anyone can send a picture and their global positioning system (GPS) location to police officers closest to the location, which will make it quicker for the authorities to arrive at the scene, said Pol Gen Chalermkiat.
During his visit on Thursday to Mor Chit bus terminal in Chatuchak district to inspect security measures for the upcoming festival, Pol Gen Chalermkiat and other officers were seen encouraging people they met to download the mobile app and use it.
Pol Lt Col Parinya Klinkesorn, a Bang Sue station deputy chief, said the station plans to introduce a real-time video streaming called the "SAS System" for crime suppression work during the festival.
