Songkran: Ban Slapped On Powder Play

[george]

Ban slapped on powder play

BANGKOK: -- Male Songkran revellers who apply powder to women's faces or bodies risk sexual harassment charges, a senior policeman said yesterday.

To make sure that revellers celebrate the water-throwing festival within Thai traditions and to keep everything on the up and up, more than 20,000 police will fan out on streets and sois.

"Those who put powder on women's faces will be put under arrest," said Pol Maj-General Dusitsant Terapat, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau.

Police will also take legal action against parents who let their children commit sexual harassment or misbehave. They will also arrest anyone who harasses children under the Children Protection Act of 2003, which takes effect today.

"Parents will be asked to take care of their children and stop them from celebrating Songkran beyond the traditions," said Pol Maj-General Pongsapat Pong-charoen, the Royal Thai Police spokesman, after a meeting with relevant officials and agencies.

Songkran revellers will be banned from carrying water containers larger than 200 litres in their vehicles. Also making the banned substance list are ice water, dirty water bags, powerful water guns and coloured powder. People must also dress properly and wear tops. "Police will take action against them and young people for putting powder on women in a manner that is sexually harassing, motorcycle racing on roads and drinking alcohol. Parents of young instigators would also face penalties," he said.

Police have also drawn up pre-emptive measures to curb road accidents during Songkran, when Thais travel back to their hometowns for annual family reunions. Drunk driving is the biggest contributor to deaths during the festive season.

Pongsathat warned motorcyclists to strictly follow the law by wearing crash helmets, and to drive with headlights on and abstain from alcohol.

Police will strictly enforce laws on roads with high accident records.

Khao San, Tanao, Phra Arthit and Samsen roads will be off limits to traffic all day and night on April 13 and 14.

--The Nation 2004-03-30