Thousands of tourists take part in 'world's biggest water fight' despite government ban

Thousands of tourists took part in the world's biggest water fight this afternoon (April 12) despite a government attempt to ban it.

Thailand celebrates Songkran, its traditional new year, from April 13 to 15, during which locals and revellers from around world visit to splash water on each other under the scorching sun.

Backpacker district of Khaosan Road in Bangkok usually sees a free-for-all as holidaymakers with water guns drench each other amidst blaring music.

But this year officials vowed to limit the event on Khaosan Road ahead of the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn on May 4 to 6, claiming that there would not be enough time to clean up the area and prepare for the royal fanfare.

''The authorities are preparing for the coronation and we are located right in the middle of areas involved so if we organize the usual Songkran festival it could be chaotic,'' said Piyabutr Jiwaramonaikun, chairman of the Khaosan Road Business Association.

''There will be fewer people this year for Songkran, but the coronation is a major event for the Thai people and we all must make sacrifices.''

Despite the plans to contain the event, this year appeared to be as chaotic as ever with tens of thousands of tourists converging on the road day early to take part in the mass water fight.

Elle Andrews from South Wales said: ''I've been once before a few years ago and wanted to come back again. It's so much fun and there are so many people. It's a great atmosphere and I'm glad that people are still doing it.''