With summer temperatures soaring, many youngsters have come out early to celebrate. Over the past few days, they've jumped in the historic moat to cool off and play around from noon till dusk.

Some have even started to tease passers-by, either shooting them with a water gun or throwing water at them as though the festival was already in full swing. Not everyone enjoys such exuberant fun.

Yesterday city officials and police started to patrol the area and warn teenagers to behave and comply with the government's policy of treating Songkran this year as a graceful tradition, not a time to break out in wild water wars.

A warning was also given to toyshops around the moat against violating the ban on dangerous and harmful gear, especially high-pressure pipe guns.

Anyone found to have sold the outlawed objects during Songkran could face a maximum fine of Bt1,000 and one month in jail, Mayor Boonlert Buranupakorn said.

The Meteorological Department forecasts hotter weather this weekend and in the coming week, but the North can expect seasonal thunderstorms.