The government has denied a report on the social media that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has issued an order to allow splashing of water only on April 13, Songkran Day.
Maj Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd, the government spokesman, said Gen Prayut had never issued such an order because under Thai tradition people can play with water throughout the festival, not only on Songkran Day.
The spokesman said the prime minister had said very clearly that water throwing would not be prohibited as it is a Thai way of life. He said only that he wanted all to bear in mind that in the wake of the drought crisis they should use water with full discretion while maintaining the fine tradition.
He called for people to be careful about taking in information, particularly from the social media.