Bangkok: The "Respect Before Splashing" campaign has been launched to ensure a safe Songkran festival free from sexual harassment. Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHPF) and the Foundation for Gender Equality, in collaboration with the Department of Women's Affairs and the Bangkok Metropolitan Police, are spearheading this initiative. Statistics reveal that during past festivals, 51.5% of participants were covered in powder, and 51.3% faced harassment from intoxicated individuals. The campaign emphasizes celebrating Songkran respectfully, upholding traditional values, and avoiding alcohol consumption.
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Women and Family Affairs, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), the Foundation for Gender Equality, the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Command, and ThaiHPF jointly organized the event 'Respect Before Splashing: Safe Songkran, No Sexual Harassment.' This initiative communicates the latest amendments to the Criminal Code No. 30 concerning sexual harassment and the Alcohol Control Act No. 2 of 2025.
Mr. Wicheth Pichairat, a board member of ThaiHPF, highlighted that recent data from the Foundation for Gender Equality, compiled from news reports on domestic violence in 2025, showed a 40% increase in incidents compared to 2023. Alcohol was a contributing factor in 29.3% of the reports, while drug use was involved in 26.9%. Sexual harassment during Songkran is often fueled by alcohol and misconceptions about acceptable behavior. Mr. Pichairat emphasized the urgency of educating the public, tourists, and businesses about the new laws to prevent offenses and mitigate negative societal impacts.
Ms. Angkhana Inthasa, Director of the Foundation for Gender Equality, shared that from 2024 to 2025, 400 news reports on sexual violence revealed various types of incidents, with rape and attempted rape being the most prevalent. The most common perpetrators were family members, and the 11-15 age group was the most affected. Factors contributing to these incidents included drug use and alcohol consumption.
For Songkran 2025, a survey of 2,552 people highlighted various forms of sexual harassment, including inappropriate touching and incidents involving intoxicated individuals. Ms. Angkhana proposed strict enforcement of the amended laws, public awareness campaigns, and bystander intervention to ensure a safe and respectful Songkran celebration.
Ms. Kannika Charoenlak, Director of the Gender Equality Promotion Division, emphasized Thailand's commitment to equality, human rights, and the protection of women against gender-based violence. She highlighted the importance of the campaign in changing attitudes and raising awareness about the illegality of sexual violence and harassment, particularly during Songkran.
Kruthongta Chamroenjai, a teacher and influencer, shared her personal experiences of harassment during Songkran and called for strict enforcement of new laws, regulations on alcohol consumption, and respect for bodily autonomy. She advocated for an alcohol-free celebration to preserve the tradition's beauty and ensure everyone's safety.