HAT YAI - The Songkran celebration gets off to a rough start in Hat Yai city on Tuesday, with conflict over the closure of some roads leading to a police complaint being laid against the Songkhla Tourist Business Federation.
Songchai Jirachotikamjorn, former chairman of the former Songkhla Tourism Association, filed a complaint against Surapol Kampalanonthawat at Hat Yai police station on Monday, accusing the federation chairman of causing problems for businesses in organising the event.
The Hat Yai Midnight Songkran Festival in the southern city runs from Tuesday to Sunday. The hightlights are from Tuesday to Thursday, when key roads in the central business district are closed so people can celebrate the Thai New Year. Activities from Friday to Sunday are mainly religious events.
The festival is expected to draw tourists from other provinces and from Malaysia.
Mr Songchai claimed the road closure would hurt businesses in the central area and cause traffic jams.
The Songkhla Tourist Business Federation chairman could not be reached for comment, but one of the organisers said they had the proper permission to close the roads.
Songkhla governor Songpol Swastham said on Saturday that all police stations in the province had been ordered to send men to assist local police, soldiers and volunteers in ensuring revellers' safety in Hat Yai district during the event.