Transcript of remarks by SHYA at media session

     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, at a media session after attending the Kowloon City Songkran Festival 2024 ceremony today (April 13):

Reporter: Is this permanent that the water fight would no long be available on that side, from now on only be on this side? Do you notice that there is fewer people coming when compare with last year? Do you think it is a departure from tradition for not having gun fight moving from that side?

Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs: In fact that is the tradition of the Kowloon City District to organise events on Songkran, the first day of the Thai New Year. To enhance the scale of the whole event, we have extended the stalls from not only in this playground but also to South Wall Road. What we are going to do is to enhance the scale, and through the process, I am grateful to Thai CG (Consul-General)'s suggestions and opinions on how to enhance this scale and let more Hong Kong people to enjoy the atmosphere. As you can see, residents here are playing happily so I think this is the goal and aim for us to enhance the scale of the event and this is only part of the events. Thai CG has assisted us in inviting many different performers from Thailand to perform during the event to let us know and experience the Thai culture. I think this is a very good way to see collaboration between Hong Kong and Thailand.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)