Lab tests have detected a large number of parasites in the mud sediment of Chiang Mai's famous moat, where many Songkran festival revellers draw their water supply.
No official warning against parasitic infections has been issued by health experts, and municipal Chiang Mai officials said they are working to clean the moat' s water so it can be safely used in Songkran celebrations from April 10-15.
The moat, which is located in the old precinct of Muang district, hosts parasite samples that look like leeches, according to the initial lab results of Maejo Agricultural University's Faculty of Fisheries Technology and Aquatic Resources.
The university's experts detected the parasites while they were testing the water for heavy metal pollution. It has not been determined exactly what type of parasites they are.
The discovery prompted the Chiang Mai municipality to investigate the hygiene of the water in the moat.
Meanwhile, other government departments are working to boost water supplies for Songkran festival revellers.