Loy Kratong

[IHF]

just been to 19 rai on soi 19, so much for land of smiles, hello big brother.

police everywhere, checking teenagers and peoples bags for alcohol, no fireworks allowed, no smoking, everyone walking round like lost souls, plenty of food stalls, live music and only coca cola.!!

what a great advert for Thailand.

1,000's of people, deadly silence. and maybe 3 or more dry days this weekend for funeral and then new year.

anyone see any other restrictions around town?

[Wanderlust]

IHF,
I was at the same place, only at about 6pm with our daughter, and it was perfect for us - and there were fireworks and plenty of smiles which we all enjoyed but to be honest at an event like this, which is primarily a family orientated thing i don't think alcohol would be particularly appropriate. I complain with the rest when there are alcohol bans for elections etc, but on this occasion and location i think it is right.

[IHF]

after 8 pm the police were in force, stopping the sale and use of fireworks, which I agree with, should not have fireworks in a crowded area,
but where they had the stage, and food, seats etc, most people where well over middle aged listening to traditional Thai music, dancing not teenage thing anyway.
why could they not sell beer there, only had to put 1 policeman there to watch for underage drinkers.
It never bothers me, but I know a lot of people it will put off.

[MrPlum]

A really pleasing night. Our English friend wore Thai dress. Verdict from the Thais? Lots of surprised looks, thumbs up and genuine warmth. What a great experience the whole day was... being made up alongside some stunning Thai ladies... commanding attention at the event... it was one of those special moments we come to treasure.

It took a lot of courage to risk the stares, nudges, possibility of causing offence, flashing cameras, etc.. and she coped wonderfully well, being a great ambassador for us foreign devils. I'd like to thank her publicly for being such a good sport. In a cynical world it's all too easy to stay in our comfort zones.

[Big Boy]

What a shame Mr Plum. The little one did not re-produce that wonderful smile. Nice photos though

[Randy Cornhole]

I think you all look wonderful. I cannot see that dressing up would cause offence to anyone? (unless you perhaps wore monks robes) I think the Thais would find it unusual but would embrace it in the spirit it was intended.
Well done to you for making the effort, and if there are any naysayers amongst us, and I doubt there will be, then that's their problem...

[playboy]

I think she looked wonderful.

[Cowtown Comedy]

Beautiful pictures Mr. Plum, and I'm sure the Thai people appreciated it. Well done!

[splitlid]

smile

much better

[mark johnson]

I think they all look great and its good to see someone making a effort.

[Cowtown Comedy]

My comment is opposite to IMF. I thought the Lor Kratong festival at sipkaorai was brilliant. Thanks to the organizers and Dusit Rajabhat for making such a nice evening for us. With all the children out with their families, it was nice to see the alcohol restrictions in place.I look forward to next year.


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[Chas]

This is my 8th Loy Kratong and I have seen Western women dress up in traditional Thai dress every single year and never heard a peep from the Thais around, who invariably seemed to be very helpful in the effort. . this kind of turnout is a lot of work! Wouldn't call it unusual or surprising, especially in a tourist town with international universities.

Everyone seems to appreciate the sight of a beautiful woman dressed to the nines no matter the nationality. . and there were several such women in the parade last night including the Swiss girl on the Marriott float. What on earth could anyone object to?

I even dressed up in a Lanna style king's outfit one year. .and won first prize in a costume contest! (Still have the trophy somewhere.) The Thais around at the time seemed absolutely delighted with my effort and helpful in helping me put it together and keep it together ( we actually rented the costumes)

Very nice photos Mr Plum and the lady does indeed look lovely!

One fashion note, there is a formal male traditional outfit which is quite common. . .and that I have also seen worn by any number of farang men here. It is Westernized (modeled on the British military style) a white jacket and those baggy pants things. Mr Plum, you might consider it next year instead of the suit!

[MrPlum]

This is my 8th Loy Kratong and I have seen Western women dress up in traditional Thai dress every single year

Very nice photos Mr Plum and the lady does indeed look lovely!

One fashion note, there is a formal male traditional outfit which is quite common. . .and that I have also seen worn by any number of farang men here. It is Westernized (modeled on the British military style) a white jacket and those baggy pants things. Mr Plum, you might consider it next year instead of the suit!

You have the advantage, Chas. It's only my 2nd LK in HH and missed the parade. Not the first but for many Thais, it seemed like she was. I considered the male outfit but the ladies dress up far more nicely I feel. Besides, any good commander knows you must send the troops out first to get nailed before venturing out yourself!

Are you brave enough to post a pic of yourself in the outfit you won in the competition?

I'm not a drinker so opportunities to socialize without are welcome. The Thais turned out in force so it's not such a hardship.

My 'daughter' loved her new smile.

Children from various schools had a 'Kratong' competition in the town centre. My other half taught the Yamsaard children. Amazing how intricate the designs are. Here's one example...


The completed Kratongs after the judging...


One taken before she got tired. (for BB)...


Wow. So beautiful.


My costume for next year


The children always get my vote. Aren't they fantastic?!


Picture didn't quite turn out but I'm still spellbound...


The beauty pageant...


The other side of the coin. Children grabbing the Kratongs to extract any money. We decided we couldn't beat them so gave one child 20 baht to guard ours until we left. He lowered them into the water and kept his buddies away. Last year we made the mistake of launching them out to sea, only to see them tumble over as the next wave hit. Bit of an anti-climax after all the work.


All in all, I have to give the event a big thumbs up. Now. If only I can get as enthusiastic about Songkran!

[Chas]

I enjoyed the pictures Mr Plum! But I am afraid I dont have a picture of myself in Thai costume on my computer. This was five or six years ago, before the camera we had could talk to the computer we had. But I will look around. I must admit that I thought I looked a bit silly, and the costume was one of the least comfortable I have ever worn. ( . . .and this is from someone who once had an entire closet full of costumes!)

I must add that the Thai people seem to get a kick out of seeing farangs in Thai dress. . like a lot of things farangs do, they find it funny if anything.

The best Loy Kratong for me was the one we spent up in the village in Udon. We spent the day making our kratongs from scratch and then joined the rest of the village in floating them on the pond.

The kids after the money do kinda spoil the moment I feel. . .but you can find a canal or river somewhere away from the crowds and have the chance to contemplate your kratong as it floats away.

I watched last night as the Marriott guests tried to float theirs in the sea. . .I dont think any of them actually succeeded as you would have had to wade out hip deep to get past the heavy surf. I think they settled for the beach puddles.

[Vital Spark]

Lovely photos Mr. Plum.

I've just been chatting to one of the contestants of the beauty contest. She's the grand-daughter of our landlady. She got through to round 2 (which earned her 2,000 baht), but she was slighly miffed that the winner's high-so friend had bunged the judges. The prize for the winner was 20,000 baht.

It's sad that this kind of corruption even creeps into a beauty contest, but it was refreshing to talk to a lovely 16 year-old who thinks that it's unacceptable and disagrees with bribery (at all levels and circumstances).

To end on a lighter note, our lass was wearing 8 inch heeled shoes . Anything over 2 inches and I'm walking like Dick Emery!

Glad you all had a great time. If we weren't so far out in the sticks we would've been there.

VS