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…
