CHONBURI — 16 April 2026, heavy traffic congestion hit roads leading to Bang Saen beach on Thursday evening as large crowds gathered for the start of Wan Lai Songkran celebrations.
At around 18:00, people and tourists travelled to the coastal area in pickup trucks carrying water for traditional festivities, causing severe congestion along Sukhumvit Road towards the beach entrance. Traffic on Khao Lam Road was also heavily affected, with long queues stretching for several kilometres.
Police from Saensuk station were deployed to manage traffic flow and prevent overcrowding, restricting vehicle access to the beachfront area.
Authorities closed roads leading directly to Bang Saen beach to ensure emergency vehicles, including ambulances and rescue units, could access Burapha University Hospital if needed. The measure follows complaints over the past two years about congestion obstructing emergency services.
Vehicles heading to the festival were redirected to alternative routes, while most visitors continued on foot to reach the beach. Areas near restaurants along the approach to the beachfront were crowded with tourists.
The Wan Lai festival in Bang Saen, held on 16–17 April, features traditional sand pagoda building along the beach. Around 100 sand structures are expected to be constructed on 17 April, with entries from government agencies, private organisations, schools and local administrative bodies taking part in a decoration contest.
