Songkran and its annual warnings

That time of year has come again, when millions of Thais and visiting tourists celebrate the Songkran festival. There is a traditional way of celebrating it, but the attention is always on the more exciting side of Songkran – the riotous splashing of water that has earned the Thai festival a global reputation as “the world’s biggest water fight”. Almost a million tourists are expected to arrive during the long holidays this year.
It’s a time of fun and joy for which locals and tourists alike have been waiting patiently. But for others, it’s also a period of aggressive water splashing, lewd behaviour and, mainly among male revellers, a chance to indulge in sexual harassment.
Authorities are again appealing for a “polite Songkran”. Revellers are urged to abstain from alcohol and high-pressure water guns that can cause harm, particularly when aimed at the eyes. Authorities are also warning that sexual harassment and molestation are tantamount to violating the rights of others and thus illegal.
A senior official at the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development has urged male revellers to respect women’s rights by refraining from sexually harassing them. She asked onlookers to report such incidents to the authorities, rather than blaming the women victims because of the way they dress while celebrating Songkran. The official’s remarks reflect a view expressed recently by many people in show business. In an online campaign, they disputed the notion that women share part of the blame because they wear “sexy” attire that attracts the attackers’ attention. Their messages on the social media contain the hashtags #donttellmehowtodress and #tellmentorespect.
Many revellers celebrate the festival by consuming large amounts of alcohol and then going out into the streets to smear talcum powder on the faces and bodies of attractive women who come their way. They use Songkran as an excuse to molest women. Of course, many celebrants dab powder on others’ faces playfully, but some have only malign intent. Such practices should always be discouraged. They can only lead to complaints of sexual harassment during the water festival.
Women celebrants should bear in mind that, among the men roaming the streets, there are some who are looking for “prey”. These opportunistic “hunters” will just as readily sexually harass women who are fully and properly dressed. They are irresponsible louts who cannot control themselves and usually have consumed so much alcohol that their conscience and sense of responsibility are numbed. It’s these kinds of people who should face legal action. The police need to enforce the law to discourage such behaviour. Fellow revellers should get involved if they see lewd and illegal acts being committed and report them to police or any other nearby authority.
Women should in no way be blamed if they’re molested or harassed by sex-crazed men. Their manner of dress should not be a factor. But they do have to bear in mind that certain men become aroused at the sight of women sexily dressed and might also be drunk and lacking in self-control. It is a woman’s choice as to what to wear, but their decision should be based on the realities of the rowdy situation in the streets.
It’s better to celebrate Songkran in a gentle, traditional way, displaying responsibility and respect for others. You still have as much fun – and none of the risk of injury or unpleasantness.