Songkran 2008

Post by **PJG** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 12:49 am

Best Songkran is staying in Bkk as everybody else just about goes up country and causes Traffic gridlock in Hua Hin, Pattaya etc.

Hope you all enjoy!!!

Post by **Vital Spark** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 11:18 pm

Since when has iced water been part of Songkran?

Thankfully, and luckily, we're usually in another country when this 'traditional' festival takes part. I must admit I love the traditional bit, pouring a little bit of water over the left shoulder (when politely asked by the pourer) and being wished good luck for the the coming year, with a lovely smile. I also love the fun bit, with warm water a smiles - not cold (or dirty) water and aggression.

Iced water, especially when it includes ice-cubes being hurled is neither in the the spirit of the festival or even Thai - and damn painful if hurled from a distance. It's too aggressive. Pick-up trucks with barrels of iced water is not really Songkran (in my mind).

Ho hum. Have fun.

Parahandy and I will be freezing in the UK, France & Scotland.

VS

Post by **SuperTonic** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 7:45 pm

Grr can't get a decent gun.. can only get the piddly little 1.5 litre ones down the night market. There must be somewhere better to get a real weapon of mass destruction?

Post by **Big Boy** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:31 pm

Just wait a couple of days, and they'll be walking around the bars selling them.

Post by **STEVE G** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 1:34 am

PJG wrote:Best Songkran is staying in Bkk as everybody else just about goes up country and causes Traffic gridlock in Hua Hin, Pattaya etc.

Hope you all enjoy!!!

Yes, I think they must get desperate for people to soak in Bangkok as last year I got a bucket of water thrown at my truck whilst going up an approach ramp to the expressway.

Post by **HuaHinR** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 11:26 am

An easy spot to watch is the deck in front of the World New Coffee shop, next to the Hilton. Crowds and trucks go by, and for some reason they often don't douse people sitting there. . . but I've also seen people sit inside and watch, safely behind the wall of windows. . .

HuaHinR

Post by **lindosfan1** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 11:36 am

Yes I agree good place but you have to get there by that time you are probably very wet

Post by **Ralphsandbag** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 9:25 am

SuperTonic wrote:Grr can't get a decent gun.. can only get the piddly little 1.5 litre ones down the night market. There must be somewhere better to get a real weapon of mass destruction?

Check out Thai Visa, before you buy, the pump action water pistol has been banned...
Heavy fines for Sellers/Users and or jail time....
Happy soaking
Cheers Ralph

Post by **sandman67** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 4:18 pm

guess I will leave the bike at home that day then eh in case some jolly festive partygoer manages to lob a bucket of iced water & ice on me causing me to crash......

still...guess the red baron goggles will come in useful

Post by **Big Boy** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 4:32 pm

Ralphsandbag wrote:
SuperTonic wrote:Grr can't get a decent gun.. can only get the piddly little 1.5 litre ones down the night market. There must be somewhere better to get a real weapon of mass destruction?
Check out Thai Visa, before you buy, the pump action water pistol has been banned...
Heavy fines for Sellers/Users and or jail time....
Happy soaking
Cheers Ralph

That warning goes out every year, but I've never seen it enforced. However, is it really worth inviting the bib to get you?

Post by **Wiseman** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 9:58 pm

Lets hope that there are no nasty accidents.

Take care guys and the throwing of water at moving motorcycles is taboo!

Have fun

Post by **kendo** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 8:47 pm

I have a house up north in Surin,and last year i was there for Songkran the water fighting last for 5 days and i was cought out several times on days 4 and 5 by passing pick ups with the 45 gallon drum in the back.
I would like to warn you on the dangers of riding a motorbike at this time as i have seen a young Thai girl killed as the result of water being thrown at her and then she hit a parked car.Also many people drive around drunk,just becarefull and enjoy.

Post by **SuperTonic** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 12:01 am

To be honest I'm leaving my bike at home for the next 4 or 5 days to play it safe, I don't fancy splattering my brain across the pavement.

Post by **edwinadanish** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 12:18 am

We have all seen people killed and seriosly hurt in Songkran so why do siome people think it's fun to behave in a way that has NOTHING to do with Thai culture but purely is fun to them but distresing to ohers.... I love the idea of throwoing a little water and doing a ritual for the new year but where does the idiot with the HIGH POWERED WATER GUN come in to those who want to enjoy it without their crude sense of fun!

Post by **SuperTonic** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 12:31 am

edwinadanish wrote:We have all seen people killed and seriosly hurt in Songkran so why do siome people think it's fun to behave in a way that has NOTHING to do with Thai culture but purely is fun to them but distresing to ohers.... I love the idea of throwoing a little water and doing a ritual for the new year but where does the idiot with the HIGH POWERED WATER GUN come in to those who want to enjoy it without their crude sense of fun!

Edwinah you do come accross as VERY highly strung (see your other thread) and perhaps need to chill out a little bit. What's wrong with fun? It's just a giant water pistol fight, across the whole country. Crazy? Damn right. Ridiculous? Absolutely. And yet it's really not that much more dangerous than the British way of celebrating New Year which seems mostly to consist of getting paralytically drunk. Honestly, chill, go with the flow, enjoy yourself, or find yourself a country more suited to your needs.

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