As the Songkran celebrations in Bangkok are expected to be less boisterous this year, while the toxic haze in Chiang Mai will inevitably dampen spirits, Khon Kaen is trying to sell its downtown area as a fun, safe place for revellers.
Teerasak Teekayupan, mayor of Khon Kaen municipality said a lot of hard work has gone into making sure visitors enjoy themselves as they celebrate Songkran in this northeastern city.
"We want Songkran celebrations in Khon Kaen to be fun, safe and free of alcohol," he said.
"We hope to see more visitors and foreigners come to our city. The Songkran festival in Khon Kaen still has local charm. Visitors can still savour the rural lifestyle," Mr Teerasak told media.
The municipality has signed a deal with private operators and the Tourism Authority of Thailand to have alcohol-free Songkran celebrations, with money also spent on installing CCTV around the venue to boost safety.
According to a report by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce unveiled on Monday, Songkran spending by Thais is forecast to rise by 2.8% this year to 135.8 billion baht.
Popular destinations include Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Chon Buri, Kanchanaburi and Phitsanulok. However, people are still wary of visiting Chiang Mai because of the ongoing smog.
Bangkok's Songkran celebrations will also be muted as private operators on Khao San Road have said they will not organise festivities. The world-famous tourist road will be used as one of the areas for preparations for the coronation of His Majesty the King.
City police also recently announced a ban on "foam parties", and plan to stop water splashing on major roads.
Many cities upcountry are therefore taking advantage of this by organising events to attract Songkran revellers.
On Sunday, the municipality plans to attempt a world record by inviting visitors to take part in a three-kilometre "human wave" along Khao Neow Road.
"The human wave at Khao Neow Road will be a world record with the longest human wave ever. But the main thing is we are trying to show society is united," he said adding that the municipality has invited 30 well-known bands to entertain visitors during its Songkran festivities that kicked off on April 8.
Mr Teerawat said Khon Kaen municipality wants to keep the Songkran celebrations true to local culture, and not have the chaos of revellers getting drunk and splashing water.
Yesterday, the municipality launched a sculpting event to create a replica royal barge out of sand, to pay respect to the monarchy.
Today, the municipality plans a merit-making Rod Nam Dam Hua ceremony for young people to pour water over the hands of elders and ask for blessings.
"Songkran in Khon Kaen is getting bigger. But one thing that will never change is that we will keep our local traditions alive," said Mr Teerasak.
