Water festival observed in Thailand amid major drought

As the country faces its worst water shortage in two decades, with 14 out 76 provinces hit, Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has urged people to cut down one day of Songkran to save water. The festival runs from April 13-15.

A man plays a trumpet while people are splashed by elephants with water during the celebration of the Songkran water festival in Thailand's Ayutthaya province, north of Bangkok. REUTERS/Jorge Silva — A man plays a trumpet while people are splashed by elephants with water during the celebration of the Songkran water festival in Thailand’s Ayutthaya province, north of Bangkok. REUTERS

Elephants spray people with water in celebration of the Songkran water festival in Thailand's Ayutthaya province, north of Bangkok, April 11, 2016. REUTERS/Jorge Silva — Elephants spray people with water in celebration of the Songkran water festival in Thailand’s Ayutthaya province, north of Bangkok, April 11, 2016. REUTERS

“Yeah, you got to look after the water for the farmers but people need to let off steam and have that once a year enjoyment and finding that balance,” tourist Neil Russel said. “I hope they manage to do it.”