Call to end the violence
Songkran 2006 produced such a high rate of casualties from physical violence that the authorities must take stern measures next year, the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, known as the Narenthorn Centre, said yesterday.
The centre received thousands of calls for emergency medical assistance from across the country, but what was most alarming was that 6.7 per cent involved physical attacks."People seemed to celebrate Songkran in a more aggressive manner this year. More people seemed to indulge in sexual harassment that could start fights," said Narenthorn director Dr Surachet Satitniramai. "Excessive consumption of alcohol was an important factor, and that caused the celebrations to get out of hand and often led to road accidents or brawls," Surachet said. This year was the first time the centre had separated physical attacks from the other types of injuries and deaths usually reported during the festival, the doctor said. Restricting the water-splashing celebrations to certain areas and reducing the availability of alcohol in those locations should reduce casualties next year, Surachet said. Arthit Khwankhom, The Nation
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