Songkran holiday in Thailand. New Year in Thailand. When and how is it celebrated? Causes incredible delight

Thai New Year Songkran - when celebrated in 2018, what is happening on the streets of Thailand at this time? Is it worth going to Songkran and what is it all about? How to avoid going to the hospital and stay alive during mass marches? What tour operators won’t tell you when they send you to Thailand in April. Details in the article!

What does this holiday symbolize - the period (time)

Songkran is the Thai New Year, which in 2018 (according to our calendar) is celebrated from April 13-17. The peak of fun occurs on the last day of the procession. According to the ancient Indian calendar, Songkran symbolizes the onset of a new time - the hot season gives way to heavy rains.

Songrkran is one of the most important and significant holidays for Thais. Almost all local residents celebrate this event with contentment, completely “giving themselves over” to what is happening. Songkran is essentially the same New Year, which is what we have. Only according to the Buddhist calendar used in these latitudes.

The main entertainment these days is mass dousing with water from mugs or water machines, rubbing with talcum powder or clay. Complete strangers do this to each other. Yes, yes, you can walk “and not touch anyone,” just as a basin of water with “emergency” powder (talc) may “fly” at you from the side.

At first glance, this seems like quite a fun diversion. But, in fact, celebrating songran is fraught with a lot of dangers. More on this a little later.

Water pistols are used to “shoot” water. You can buy them at your nearest supermarket. Cost – from 150 baht. The “weapon” will become useless in a “fight with the enemy” if the latter has a huge barrel or a water hose in his hands.

What is the meaning of the holiday - why such traditions on Songkran (Thai New Year)

Songgran has been celebrated for over 500 years. In ancient times, during the Songkran period, monks turned to the gods throughout the week with requests for mercy and a reduction in the number of rainy days. They were afraid of flooding and great destruction in bad weather. Nowadays, the typical Thai songkran starts at the temple. From early morning, they make alms to the monks (tham bun) and after a long stay in a sacred place, they go outside for a portion of the “fresh street shower”.

According to their beliefs, mass dousing with water symbolizes the complete cleansing of the soul from sins, and the body from various diseases. Rubbing with talcum powder and clay acts as protection against evil spirits for the coming year.

Songkran among Thais is a family, warm holiday. The older generation, as a rule, does not participate in street processions and prefers a modest dinner with the family.

During the Songkran period, Thais also hold a ceremony to wash the Buddha statue, which is in every home. According to religious beliefs, the water for the ceremony should be filled with rose and jasmine petals.

Songkran and tourists - a bull in a china shop or should we be happy for the Thais?

Having noticed interesting rituals, foreign tourists began to take part in water processions with pleasure and develop this area in every possible way. Sometimes, foreigners rejoice at the advent of a new era in Thailand - even more than the Thais themselves.

Unfortunately, over time, Songkran in Thailand, especially in tourist areas, has acquired its own unique scenario. Sometimes, fun activities lead to tragedies - falls from bikes, damage to expensive equipment and documents. By the way, the Thais are not involved in these misfortunes - the Burmese and Europeans are the aggressors. As mentioned earlier, foreigners liked local traditions. Some tourists specially fly to Thailand at this time to have a lot of fun on the city streets and show off all their “stupidity”.

Drunk and inspired by the holiday, foreigners “go too far” - they douse passers-by not just with a mug or a water pistol, but with a huge bucket or barrel of water. Some went further - they added ice to the container and doused passers-by with ice water.

Such “fun” no longer carries the meaning of cleansing the soul. Last year alone, about 250 people died during Songkran in Thailand. More than 2000 thousand were affected. Cases of falls from bikes have become more frequent. Dead or injured drivers could not maintain their balance when unexpectedly splashed with water from a barrel, and simply flew off the bike at speed.

Be careful when riding a motorbike on the main streets of the city during Songkran. Those who are too “enthusiastic” and joyful in celebrating may throw a basin of water all over you. Such an unexpected “wave” can lead to tragedy.

How to avoid inconvenience during Thai New Year - Songkran

• Travel to Thailand at a different time

If your main goal when traveling to Thailand was to attend excursions and sightseeing, we recommend that you choose a different time. If you are lucky enough to get to Thailand specifically for Songkran, then keep in mind that many establishments will be closed. Many shows, entertainment, and excursions are closed. In Pattaya at this time there are terrible traffic jams and traffic collapses.

• Beware of Burmese and drunken Europeans

Despite the fact that they will see that you cannot be doused, for example, when you are talking on the phone, they will do it. Moreover, they will laugh like crazy, fully showing their “stupidity” to those passing by. We recommend avoiding them.

• Stock up on waterproof bags

When walking around the city, be careful - at the most inopportune moment you may be doused with water. Hide your belongings in waterproof cases or bags. This applies to phones, cameras and, of course, money and documents.

• Walk in a crowd

Do not walk down the street alone at this time. This is especially true for girls. Mass crush and pandemonium - can lead to minor injuries. It is important to stay close to someone so that you have the opportunity to “get out” of the procession.

Overall, Songkran in Thailand is very fun party, which previously seemed like something bright and soulful. Unfortunately, alcohol and some “stupidity” of people gradually turns it into a period of debauchery and mass misfortune (especially in Pattaya). The Thais, due to their worldview, do not react to this in any way and take it “for granted.” If you are not ready for such adventures, we do not recommend attending the Thai New Year Songkran. And look at photos and videos of the songran on the Internet.

Winter in Thai resorts is the peak of the tourist season, when tourists come to lie on the seashore, sunbathe, and look at natural and historical attractions. If tourists come in winter or autumn, then there is a chance to get to various festivals and holidays. Foreign tourists are delighted by the celebration of the New Year - either European, or Thai, or Chinese. Every New Year is distinguished by colorful processions, fireworks, national characteristics. Visitors are invited to take part in the New Year celebrations in hotels, local bars, and on the streets. settlements. Whatever New Year tourists choose, the holiday will give a lot of emotions and bright colorful moments.

The first celebration in the Kingdom is the European New Year, which falls on the night of December 31 to January 1. To celebrate this event comes to Thailand a large number of tourists who want to celebrate the New Year in an exotic setting, surrounded by palm trees. No European New Year celebration is complete without a New Year tree. Trees are installed in resort areas, hotels, bars and restaurants.

Then comes the turn to celebrate the Chinese New Year, the exact date of which is not known. Every year the holiday is celebrated in different time, from January 21 to February 21. The exact date is determined by the day that occurs on the first new moon after the solstice. Chinese New Year is directly dependent on the phases of the moon.

Thai New Year is called Songkran. It is celebrated every year on April 13, when Thais welcome the middle of spring. There is a version that scientists from the Kingdom of Thailand, using knowledge of astronomy, were able to calculate this date from the stars. The Thais like to tell a legend that the Thai God of Fire gave various tasks to a boy and bet him. After which God had to cut off his own head, and the boy put it in a cave. On April 13, the daughters of the God of Fire take this head out into the street in a basket, walk around the cave, and then bring it back. Thais say that at this time the air temperature rises to +40. Such heat is uncharacteristic for Thailand, and it is observed only on New Year's Day.

No matter what New Year tourists celebrate, they will remember the holiday for a long time. Thais know how to celebrate holidays in a bright and unusual way, which allows them to remember such an important day of the year for the rest of their lives.

European New Year and Christmas

The tradition of celebrating these two holidays, to which the inhabitants of Europe, South and North America appeared not so long ago. With the development of the tourism sector, these two holidays gradually began to penetrate Thai culture. Therefore, about 70 years ago, at popular resorts, and then throughout the Kingdom, Christmas (according to the Catholic rite) and the European New Year began to be celebrated.

Large-scale celebrations are observed throughout the country, but special scope is observed in Thai resorts. Before Christmas artificial Christmas trees installed in shopping centers, shops and other crowded public places. Celebrations of holidays take place in central squares and main streets.

Before December 25, fairs begin to work in Thailand, sales begin in shops and shopping centers where you can buy everything you need. Tourists constantly visit fairs to buy souvenirs, food, drinks, clothes and shoes at big discounts.

Christmas and New Year are celebrated mainly in Thailand by foreign tourists, who are joined by local residents. The largest concentrations of foreigners are observed in the central squares of Bangkok and Pattaya, where large artificial trees are installed. Various events and concerts are held here. Fewer people will be in Phuket, but this does not prevent both Thais and resort guests from celebrating the holiday on a grand scale. Among the features of celebrating the European New Year and Christmas it is worth noting:

• Live music can be heard everywhere.
• Concerts and competitions are held on the streets.
• In the evenings, Christmas and New Year lights are lit everywhere.
• Fireworks are set off on New Year's Eve.
• On Christmas and New Year's Eve there is a rush in cafes, bars and restaurants.

New Year's tours are very popular among married couples who come to Thailand with children for the winter holidays. The program for celebrating the European New Year in the Kingdom includes:

• Visit to the hotel, where a festive banquet with a concert program is organized.
• Book a table in one of the budget restaurants.
• Riding a river bus on the river.

Only foreigners remain in public places after midnight; Thais go home as they celebrate such holidays with family members. It is customary for them to give gifts, have dinner together, and go to temple in the morning.

New Year's Eve in most resorts in Thailand takes place in excellent weather conditions. But on Koh Samui In December and January there are often heavy rains, and tropical storms interfere with mass street celebrations. Therefore, tourists choose resorts such as Krabi, Phuket and Pattaya to celebrate the New Year in a European way.

How Songkran is celebrated

For those who come to Thailand in April, there is a great opportunity to visit one of the most fun and colorful holidays - Thai New Year. All residents of the country are given a day off two days before the start of the holiday so that people can prepare for the celebration of Songkran. New Year holidays and events last until April 19-20.

A few days before the New Year, Thais visit temples, where monks conduct pre-holiday rituals and read prayers called khurals. On the eve of the holiday, it is customary to invite a lama to the house to perform a ritual of cleansing from negativity and negative emotions. From time to time, local residents begin to take out small items, rags, and leftover food from their homes and take them to a vacant lot. On New Year's Day, Thais wear new clothes to celebrate the holiday and attract positive energy into the home.

Food is brought to the temple to treat the monks and thank them for their prayers. At home, local residents continue to pray, attracting success, health, happiness, and prosperity. Buddha figurines, previously washed with water, are placed throughout the rooms.

Thai water has magical properties. The population of Thailand believes that water can wash away all the negativity that has accumulated over the year. Before the holiday, barrels of water are installed on the streets of cities and small towns, which are the main attributes of the holiday. The barrels are needed so that passers-by can throw water on each other. Water is poured into any container that is at hand, into basins, water pistols and buckets. There is no point in being offended by dousing. Firstly, this is a local tradition, and you shouldn’t offend Thais. They have a favorable attitude towards tourists and are distinguished by their hospitality towards visitors. Secondly, you can always join those who douse passers-by. Thirdly, the tradition began a long time ago, and to break it would mean offending the people of Thailand.

Streams of water fall on passers-by at any moment, and the dousing continues until April 20. The dousing begins from the head, which allows you to completely douse the tourist the first time. It is not recommended to travel around cities on a moped, bicycle or motorcycle.

During New Year's festivities and celebrations, all equipment should be hidden in covers that can protect it from water and moisture. In addition to dousing, Thais smear each other with white clay, talcum powder, and tie bracelets on their hands. Such actions also apply to foreign tourists.

Such procedures are designed to cause rain and speed up the transition from the dry to the wet season.

Tourists who went to resorts in April do not have to worry about the weather. Mid spring - best time for swimming and celebrating the New Year, which allows you to see the sights, go on excursions, and participate in the New Year celebrations.

Chinese New Year

IN winter time Thailand also celebrates Chinese New Year, which lasts three days in the Kingdom. Thais decorate the streets with red lanterns, visit each other on New Year's Day, give small gifts, joke and have fun.

Just like in China, new year celebrations accompanied by such attributes of the New Year as lions, dragons and paper lantern Red.

City dwellers dress in National costumes, having bright colors, organize mass processions and carnivals. Similar events are held in every resort city. Thais hold in their hands big dragon, and walking through the streets is accompanied by music, songs, and firecracker explosions.

What do tourists need to know about the New Year holidays in Thailand?

Travelers who come to the Kingdom before New Year and Christmas should take into account several important points:

• There is an increase in prices - for travel packages, accommodation, food, excursions and entertainment.
• Entertainment shows, programs, and concerts are organized everywhere for tourists. The most colorful and large-scale events are held in Pattaya and Bangkok.
• Do not dodge being doused with water if your visit coincides with the celebration of the Thai New Year. Water fun is a symbol of good luck, happiness, and talc or white clay helps create protection around a person. Women are not recommended to wear a lot of makeup on their face. Both women and men should not wear smart clothes and shoes. Water will ruin the outfit anyway.
• Tourists can buy water pistols and take part in water activities. To recharge weapons, water supplies are used in barrels placed along the streets.

Going to Thailand in winter or spring, tourists can take part in fun events dedicated to the New Year. Celebration traditions differ from European ones, so foreign guests of Thai resorts will be able to join a new culture, have fun, and get an unforgettable experience from the Christmas and New Year festivities.

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Songkran: vivid photos and videos, detailed description and reviews of the 2020 Songkran event.

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Songkran, or Thai New Year, is one of the most fun and favorite holidays in Thailand. It comes on the night of April 12-13 according to the astrological ancient Indian calendar, but for several more days the Thais, along with farangs and tourists, continue to celebrate it. During the celebration, it is customary to pour water on each other - the more and more often, the better! Hence the second name of Songkran - “Water Festival”.

A little history

Mid-April in Asia is the beginning of the rainy season, which replaces the hot season, which is symbolized by the tradition of pouring water on each other. A good "wet" season ensured the rice harvest and was therefore vital. The holiday originated in Ancient India, and with the development of trade it spread throughout Indochina.

Translated from Sanskrit, “songkran” means “transition”, that is, the change of seasons.

In Thailand, the holiday acquired a religious connotation: a tradition of visiting temples, blessing all those who came, and giving alms to the monk appeared. Water was perceived as a symbol and a way of blessing, so it had to be clean, and in no case salty sea water. They sprayed each other very carefully so that water did not get on their heads or in their mouths or ears. A modern holiday with joyful pouring from head to toe is already a tourist fun that has a very conditional connection with sacred meaning Songkran.

Songkran

How is the holiday going?

Thais, mainly children and youth, take to the streets of cities with large buckets of water, hoses, hydro guns and everything that can be useful for a water battle. In many cities, especially tourist ones, they place barrels of water or carry them on transport so that everyone can “arm themselves”, sometimes for a small fee.

With the words “Sawasdee pi mai!” (Happy New Year!) or Happy Songkran and with a happy smile on their faces, the participants of the event sprinkle water on everyone they meet, including tourists. You shouldn’t be offended, because the more they pour on you, the more happiness they want. This action symbolizes cleansing, and to enhance the effect, they also coat each other with talcum powder (previously white clay was used for these purposes).

Sometimes ice or paints are added to the water to make the sensations more intense.

But this is mostly tourist fun. The Thais themselves have a rather symbolic ritual: they use small cups from which they peacefully and quite carefully water or even spray relatives and friends. First of all, for Buddhists it is family celebration love and respect. Every morning these days begins with a trip to the temple, where Thais offer alms and delicious dishes to the monks, emphasizing respect for Buddhist philosophy. Important associated with water festive ritual- wai khon gaa: washing the hands of elders asking for blessings for the coming year. The Thais then return home to perform the ceremony of washing the home Buddha statue. clean water with jasmine and rose petals. Songkran ends with a festive family dinner.

Practical information

The main events take place in Bangkok: from April 12 to 16, water fights take place on Khao San Road. They arrange it in Phuket different holidays: April 12-13 in Patong for farangs and on the 13th in Phuket Town for Thais. In Patong, in the evenings there are processions with traditional Thai dances, concerts, and motorcycle shows; in Phuket Town it is calmer: in the Sapan Hin park during the day, Thais quite delicately pour water on each other, and then go home to celebrate the holiday, which for true Buddhists is a family holiday. In Pattaya, Songkran lasts the longest: from April 12 to April 19-20.

April 13-15 are official holidays in Thailand, some companies and educational establishments take longer holidays.

If you decide to go to the city streets these days and take part in the general madness, you should do the following:

• wear quick-drying clothes and a swimsuit underneath;
• take dry clothes and linen with you, wrapping everything in a waterproof bag;
• protect documents and equipment - at this time they sell waterproof bags on every corner, or you can use regular cling film;
• To stay dry, avoid tracks and roads, choosing narrow streets and courtyards.

In Thailand, New Year's celebrations are held three times! True, New Year's Eve, which is familiar to Russians and Europeans, is celebrated from December 31 to January 1 solely for the sake of visiting foreigners. The Thais celebrate their “own” New Year on April 13th. In addition, residents of the kingdom celebrate Chinese New Year according to lunar calendar. The date is “floating”, i.e. changes every year, but fits into the period from January 20 to February 20.

The sea coast, the measured sound of the surf, warm, caressing sand, the lights of unusual handicraft lanterns in the calming night sky... On New Year's Eve?! Yes, it's an exotic New Year in Thailand! In Russia, the most beloved holiday is celebrated twice - from December 31 to January 1 and from January 13 to 14. Of course, the second date - the Old New Year - is celebrated without much fanfare and according to individual wishes. But still in holiday calendar Russians have it. And in Thailand, tourists from the Russian Federation can celebrate the New Year four times - on the nights from December 31 to January 1 and from January 13 to 14, April 13 and according to the Chinese calendar.

Russian New Year with Thai flavor

Since Soviet times, we have become accustomed to celebrating the New Year on the night of December 31 to January 1. But New Year's Eve in Thailand will completely change your ideas about this holiday. Only crowds of people on the street, in which you can see representatives different countries, grandiose fireworks in the night sky, lanterns, explosions of firecrackers and the loud polyphony of “Happy New Year” will remind you of the change of years.

Do you want bright, exotic bordering on extreme? Do you want to sit on the seashore on New Year's Eve, bury your palms and feet in the soft sand, and look into the night sky, and not freeze on a snowy (and sometimes slushy) street, dancing around the Christmas tree with champagne and in the company of a cheerful Santa Claus? or Santa Claus? Then Thailand invites you!

Chinese New Year in Thailand

Many immigrants from China live in the former Siam; over the centuries, the traditions of the Thai and Chinese peoples have become intertwined. Traditional attributes of the Chinese New Year in Thailand are lions, a sacred dragon, red paper lanterns and, of course, firecrackers on New Year's Eve. Moreover, the louder the explosions, the better. Thais are convinced that the roar of crackers and fireworks scares away evil spirits. Behind New Year's Eve followed by three holidays- Chui, Chuer, Chusan - when it is customary to visit and give gifts.

The Legend of Thai New Year

The real Thai New Year is celebrated from April 13 to 15. Why mid-April? This explains ancient legend.

Once upon a time there lived an unusual boy on earth who could understand the language of animals and birds. One day, the God of Fire, incited by a feeling of envy, descended to earth and offered the boy the following deal: if within seven days the boy does not answer three riddle questions that God asks him, he will lose his head; if the boy gives the correct answers, the God of Fire himself will lose his head.

Hearing the riddles, the boy fell into despair. At the end of the seventh day, in sadness, already saying goodbye to life, he wandered through the forest and stopped to rest at one tree. And suddenly I heard a conversation between an eagle and a chick - she was talking about a dispute between a human cub and the God of Fire and told the curious chick the correct answers.

The delighted boy hurried to God and gave him answers to tricky questions. The God of Fire had no choice but to lose his head. So that a drought would not occur, the sea would not dry up and the whole world would not burn, the boy placed the head of God in a basket and hid it in a cave. And since God is considered the center of the universe, in order to pay tribute to him, on the first day of the solar year, the daughters of God take out a basket, make three circles and bring the basket back. That is why in the first days of the Thai New Year it is so hot (up to +40 °C in the shade).

Preparation for Songkran

The official Thai New Year is called Songkran (Sangkran), which means moving from one place to another or the rotation of the Earth around the Sun. A full circle marks the beginning of another year.

Songkran is a festival of expressing love and respect. It is customary to meet him in the family circle. Three days before the solemn date, khurals - New Year's prayers - begin to be read in Buddhist temples. On the eve of the holiday, a lama invited to the house performs a purification ceremony, “throwing out” failures and all the bad things that have accumulated over the year from the life of each family member. After the meal, the leftover food with coins, rags, a candle, hadak (scarf given to guests as a sign of respect) and torma (a figure made of dough and painted red) are placed in a bowl. In the evening, these objects are carried to a vacant lot and thrown out, saying to evil: “Get out of here!” After that, they quickly return without looking back.

Two days before the holiday, a ritual of symbolic destruction of enemies of the faith is carried out. To do this, they make a sor - a pyramid topped with a skull from slats, dough and paper. During prayers they “put it in” rubbish bad karma communities and burned at the stake. A linga ritual is also performed, during which the torma is cut into 12 parts and burned as a sacrifice to the lord of death, Yama.

Traditions of Songkran celebration

On the streets, people may tie special strings on your wrists for good luck. Each hand should have 25–30 laces from different people, which are usually worn until they unravel or tear.

Another ancient custom involves smearing with clay. Clay paste symbolizes protection from evil spirits. Apply it on the face and neck. According to tradition, clay cannot be washed off - you have to wait until it wears off on its own.

During the celebration of the Thai New Year, people of all ages take to the streets of cities and villages with buckets of water and cups from which they pour water on passers-by. For the Thais, water is a symbol of life, renewal, physical and spiritual purity. There is a real water madness going on on the streets. Young people place barrels of water on cars and hose everyone down. They use water guns, bottles, cans, cups, spray bottles... Some elephant owners go out with them and use the trunk as a big hose.

Water is sometimes mixed with powder or scented talc. No one will be offended if you drench him from head to toe. Everyone tries to show their skills and have a fun time so that they can remember this with a smile all year long. The water extravaganza continues throughout the day. But in order for tourists to enjoy it in different cities, the dates of the celebration vary from April 11 to April 20.

If you decide to join the crowd of celebrating Thais, you should dress in things that you don’t mind throwing away later. It is advisable to leave documents in the hotel room, and wallet, mobile phone and other valuables should be wrapped in film. With digital technology (if it is without waterproof case) It’s better not to go outside.

Unlike local residents, not all tourists are ready to experience the “cleansing power of water.” Therefore, you can buy cellophane packaging for documents, raincoats, shoe covers and head caps - all this is sold everywhere.

Special point Thai New Year - festive feast. Everyone gathers around the table to congratulate each other, discuss current affairs and taste homemade wine.

Updated 02/03/2020 Views 188 74 comments

Today I attended an enchanting event - all of Thailand, including Phuket, began to celebrate the Thai New Year, whose name is Songkran(Songkran). Translated, this means “transition”, and thus marks the transition to the new year according to the ancient Indian astrological calendar and the change from the current hot season to the upcoming rainy season. That is why it is customary to pour water on everyone on this day, it is like a call for abundant rainfall later so that there is a good rice harvest. But how does this all happen!

What is going on here is simply beyond words!!! General insanity, but from a good point of view! It’s a pity, it’s very difficult to photograph this madness, sorry for the quality of the photo, I had to wrap the camera in cling film and save it from the water in every possible way.

Thais and farangs, like little children, squealing and laughing, pour water on each other, using whatever they can, and cover each other with talcum powder! Along the roads near Rawai beach in Phuket, for example, huge barrels of water are placed, a cheerful group gathers around them, who, dancing and shouting, desperately water everyone passing with ladles, buckets and water pistols, for which they are always richly thanked with a good portion of water in return.

Pickup trucks with large tanks in the back drive along the roads, from where numerous wet and happy passengers draw water and spray everyone in their path. Often dye is added to this water and, what is most unexpected, when they pour it on you - ice! When you are repeatedly doused with just warm water, suddenly receiving a portion of an ice ladle is, to put it mildly, an unexpected positive shock! But due to the intense heat and increased mobility on this day, you don’t have time to either freeze or feel like water is running off you in streams all day.

Attack from a pickup truck

It's funny that before this tradition was a little different, they simply walked along the streets with a bowl and modestly splashed a little on each passerby. Everything progresses and develops, as practice shows.

It is believed that all these outpourings cleanse the soul and give the person doused good luck for the whole next year!

Many Thais have chosen a different strategy and smear the faces of everyone they meet with scented talcum powder, which then causes a slight chill to be felt on their cheeks. These daubers themselves are almost half covered in this talcum powder, from head to waist. This custom also has an explanation - talc (and previously it was white clay) is used as a means of hygiene, and ritual smearing and sprinkling with talc is a cleansing and repelling of all kinds of dirt.

And the cutest thing about all this fun is that when pouring water down your collar or covering you with talcum powder, Thais smile so sincerely and often ask for forgiveness or wish Happy Songkran!

Slightly or not slightly tipsy farangs take an active part in the celebration, dancing killerly to the music. Their main difference is that they do not pour water as carefully as the Thais, but hit it right in the face, which is not always liked by bikers passing by - it is so easy to lose control.

In general, this is a dangerous action. We saw one injured Thai who, apparently, after another portion of water, lost control and crashed into a car. Thank God he’s alive, but he was seriously injured.

I made it simpler, next to each of these dousing points, I stopped and with mutual joy, mine and theirs, I let all the prepared water be poured on myself and offered my cheeks for talcum powder, and then with a calm soul I drove to the next reception point water procedures.

And now we know that water pistols are bullshit! Thin streams are not scary! And the cool one is the one with the bucket! :)

In general, I was surprised to note that not all Thais are amused by this, and there are individuals who travel with sour or even dissatisfied faces, which is surprising. But there are not many of them.

The Thai New Year is not celebrated for 10 days, like ours, but only three (from April 12), and the new year itself begins on April 15, and watering usually lasts from April 13 to 15, but in some places they can last until 17 or even April 19th. This, by the way, needs to be kept in mind when you, no longer suspecting anything, leave the house with unprotected documents or wallet.

I returned home only in the evening, wet, smeared with talc and receiving a killer dose of positivity! This is what I understand - a holiday! Happy New Year everyone! Sawat di Songkran! ?????????????!

P.S. Article from Phuket Songkran 2011 :) Not much has changed since then.