A great time for revellers to enjoy water fights and splashing, Songkran has also become a hotbed for sex crimes. This year, authorities seem to acknowledge this problem. But they have come up with a poor solution. Instead of telling men not to grope women, they advise women not to put themselves up to becoming victims.
In previous years, the government banned "sexy dance moves" and advised women to dress appropriately during the Thai New Year celebrations for fear they would lead to sex crimes. This year, the same vicim-blaming solution is also offered.
Last month, Department of Local Administration director Sutthipong Chulcharoen instructed local authorities to tell women to avoid dressing in sexy outfits as a strategy to help them avoid falling victims to sexual harassment or sex assault during Songkran which starts this Friday. Female revellers including tourists are told to dress "appropriately".
