The novel coronavirus pandemic has subdued Khao San Road for more than two years. It was not until recently that the neon-lit street showed a flicker of life. However, officials have banned the annual water fight to avoid the risk of an outbreak for the third year running, dashing hopes of a revival.
Before the pandemic, Songkran was wet and wild here. A packed throng of locals and foreigners carried a wide range of weapons, from water pistols to Super Soakers. No sooner than you opened fire, others would dash up to you and squirt, turning the district into a water battlefield.
Despite the initial objection, business operators have agreed to call off the boisterous water event this year over fears a new cluster will force the closure of their venues. However, they are carrying on through uncertain times, hoping that the 400m strip will see its former glory days again when the outbreak subsides.
