PHAYAO — 15 April 2026, a fight broke out among groups of youths on the final day of the Songkran festival, sending tourists fleeing in panic around Kwan Phayao.
Reporters said the incident occurred on a road circling the lake, where large crowds of locals and visitors had gathered to celebrate and splash water.
Initial observations suggested the clash stemmed from a dispute and verbal confrontation, exacerbated by alcohol consumption. The situation escalated as the groups challenged each other before engaging in a physical fight.
Participants exchanged punches and kicks, causing alarm among bystanders, particularly tourists who had come to enjoy the festivities.
During the incident, friends and unrelated individuals repeatedly attempted to intervene and separate those involved in an effort to reduce the violence, allowing the situation to ease intermittently.
Police from Mueang Phayao station, along with patrol officers and relevant agencies, were dispatched to the scene to restore order. However, by the time they arrived, those involved had already dispersed.
Authorities have urged the public and tourists, especially young people, to help maintain peace during festival periods, avoid excessive alcohol consumption and refrain from violence, in order to preserve the image of tourism at Kwan Phayao.
