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PVC pump tubes, high pressure water guns banned for Songkran

BANGKOK: — Excessive and intrusive water spray attacking has become popular among some and hated by many during Thailand’s annual Songkran Festival, the sale of high-pressure water guns or PVC pump guns has been prohibited for Songkran, according to the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB). OCPB Secretary General Rasamee Vistaveth warned that the companies who produced or imported such equipment as well as shops offered such toys should be aware that water guns have been banned under OCPB regulations.

Using modified water guns such as the PVC pump tube which produces high water pressure, or other high pressure equipment, could cause serious injury to others, she said, adding that spraying water with such toys at people driving moving vehicles such as motorcycles and cars may cause serious accidents. Manufacturers in violation of the ban can be fined no more than Bt500,000, or face a maximum five year jail term, while sellers face a maximum fine of 50,000 baht or six months imprisonment, she said.

Members of the public can call the 1166 hotline if they see vendors illegally selling the banned water guns, Mrs. Rasame said.

The Songkran New Year water festival is regarded as one of Thailand’s the most important traditions and the OCPB encouraged the public to stick to the more polite Thai traditions of splashing water respectfully when celebrating Songkran.

Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year’s festival. It falls on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of every April. The government has declared the festival as an extended public holiday, to enable people to return to their hometowns for family reunions, merit-making and reuniting with others in their community.

Comment below by David Barkdull

This holiday in Bangkok was once thought to have powerful meaning to the Thai people. Now it is an all out war. This is the one holiday that a young Thai can take out all the pent up dislike of farangs in general. They like nothing better than to throw disease laden water on any white face. Add some ice and they like it all the better. Farangs are considered the people that have stuff and this is their chance to ruin whatever property the uninformed carry with them.

Then there are the farangs that plan a three day water gun war where their antics would land them in jail for assault in any developed country. These are for the most part tattooed drunks with shaved heads that did not have the mental capacity to finish comprehensive school before their first stint in jail. They can be further recognized by aiming first at women breasts or crotch then at anyone who ventures into the kill zone with something dry. They do their best work when they run out onto the roadways and open unlocked car doors of vehicles stopped in traffic and soak everyone inside.

PVC pump tubes, high pressure water guns banned for Songkran

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