Songkran - a good time to visit?

[Big Boy]

Wow! That must be the Thai equivalent of cancelling Christmas.

[didgerydodar]

SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
BMA cancels all its Songkran events
By The Nation
Published on April 9, 2010


The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has cancelled all of its Songkran activities in the wake of intensifying redshirt rallies and the state of emergency.

"All festivities including religious rituals will not be held this year," Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra announced yesterday.

The BMA initially planned to organise the procession of a sacred Buddha statue, hold a Miss Songkran beauty contest, prepare festivities at Santi Chai Prakarn Park and conduct many more events.

All these activities will no longer take place despite the fact that the Songkran festival is one of the biggest events in Thailand.

However, operators on tourist crowded Khao San Road have vowed to keep the festive mood alive there.

"The Maha Songkran celebration at Khao San will run from April 12 to April 15 as scheduled," Khao San Operators Association president Surat Wongchansilp said yesterday.

He said the number of security guards around Khao San Road during the festival would be 200 a day.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand insisted that it would continue to promote "Celebrate Songkran with Pilgrimages to Nine Royal Monasteries in the Capital".

jesus...

hope it doesnt effect the atmosphere.... was really looking forward to this!!!

[richard]

When does the official parade start tomorrow and what is the route please?

Seem to remember a couple of years back I was in Buff Bills for a Sunday Roast at about 2pm and the parade came down Chonsin and turned into the golden mile

Got my daughters here and want to show them the parade before venturing into Binta for a soaking

[richard]

Any info?

[STEVE G]

I don't know about a parade Richard, but the water soaking has started already; I got hit twice on my early evening cycle ride a couple of hours a go.
I'll ask around later.

[bonnielass]

quote]Might have something that meets that criteria, you won't find one cheaper at well under 1M Baht, and if at the end of the initial 30 year lease you can't get an extension to the lease, it's designed specifically for you too easily transport to another piece of land ...[/quote]


SJ - I think this will do quite nicely, we were only looking for a "bog standard" place

[richard]

So nobody knows when the parade starts and the route?

[Big Boy]

the water soaking has started already; I got hit twice on my early evening cycle ride a couple of hours a go.

I guess somebody has switched the water on again

[richard]

Down at Jungle Juice for afternoon nosh and yes, loads of Farangs drenched and carrying waterguns. Early starters I guess

Binta was already awash

TIT---- Trouble at mill------Solution? Extend the water festival.

[PET]

Enjoy it the Thai way by AVOIDING the bar area and stupid Farangs chucking water and acting like fools.

Go to the railway station and around the municipality and have a good fun time.

[Big Boy]

Are there any photos of the festivities this year? We normally get a few posted each year.

[richard]

Heres a few

More if you want them

[richard]

Couple more

Why are we limited to a max of 3?

[Big Boy]

Thanks richard, Sonkran photos always bring a smile

[didgerydodar]

ill have some wicked pics once a get me waterproof camera developed