For anyone who has lived in Thailand for more than a year, Songkran time is unforgettable. The bright yellow flowers, called Golden Shower or ratchaphruek, burst into bloom weeks ahead, adding to the build-up to this vibrant festival.

 

If you are organized enough and plan well in advance, you would be at some scenic beach resort escaping the heat, but that was beyond me. Moreover, work that had to be done in advance to cover the long holiday period meant that many were at breaking point by the time the actual holidays arrived. Sitting in the traffic for hours would be the last thing anyone would want.

 

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For Bangkok residents who stay in the city, one of the main things to look forward to is the lack of traffic as most Thais head to their hometowns. Zipping around the city is possible during the Songkran holidays giving you a chance to make a trip across town to catch up with some old mates.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/songkran-brings-a-splash-of-memories/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-14

 

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I see the PM and various regime officials speaking about water splashing which "...may be permitted in designated areas".

 

Has anyone seen a list of these "areas"?

 

 

2 minutes ago, mtls2005 said:

I see the PM and various regime officials speaking about water splashing which "...may be permitted in designated areas".

 

Has anyone seen a list of these "areas"?

 

 

Songkran 2022 celebrations

Bangkok

Ten temples in Bangkok are hosting “Amazing Songkran 2022 Celebrations” between April 9 – 17. Rituals honouring the Thai New Year’s origins and traditions will take place at Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Wat Rakang, Wat Suthat, Wat Kalayanamit, Wat Prayun, Wat Ratchanatdaram, Wat Mahathat, Wat Saket and Wat Ratchabophit.
The “Iconic Songkran Festival 2022” is taking place from April 8 – 17 at IconSiam in Bangkok. The festivities will include Song Nam Phra and Rot Nam Dam which are rituals to pay respect to elders. Family-focused activities, kite displays, merit-making activities and a fair will also be highlights of the event.
“Water Festival” by Thai Beverage Plc will be held at Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Prayun, Wat Kalayanamit, Wat Rakang, Maharaj Pier, Lhong 1919, SooksSiam and Asiatique between April 13 – 15.

 

All event goers will be required to either show proof of vaccinations or proof of a negative Covid-19 ATK test to gain entry into an event. The sale and consumption of alcohol will not be permitted at the events. Water splashing, powder smearing and foam parties in public places are prohibited this year. The TAT advises event goers to strictly adhere to Covid-19 preventative measures at all times.

8 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

Water splashing, powder smearing and foam parties in public places are prohibited this year.

Ah, OK.

 

So water splashing is not allowed in any "public space". That seems quite clear. Thanks.

 

But why does the PM refer to water splashing being allowed only in designated areas? Maybe no areas have been so designated? Maybe this requires a CCSA meeting, decree and gazetting? 

 

 

44 minutes ago, mtls2005 said:

Ah, OK.

 

So water splashing is not allowed in any "public space". That seems quite clear. Thanks.

 

But why does the PM refer to water splashing being allowed only in designated areas? Maybe no areas have been so designated? Maybe this requires a CCSA meeting, decree and gazetting? 

 

 

Don't worry, the team will be on the case as soon as they are back from their Songkran break.

 

The gigantic bouquets of yellow flowers are ordered for the podium, the vinyl backdrop is no ready for printing, and their newest tightest uniforms are at the dry cleaners. Ready to go and announce the Songkran restrictions as soon as they are back...

From the linked article -

Quote

The majority of the foreigners who lived in Thailand jumped fully into the fun though a few would frown at the water throwers. Local people left such party poopers alone as there were enough people who understood the spirit and took part in the revelries.

I think many on here especially in Pattaya would disagree.....

 

And then a couple of paras later something of a dichotomy with above

Quote

Even if you didn’t, someone would make sure you got into the swing of things by sneaking up on you and giving you a good soaking, followed by another making sure your face gets a generous amount of talcum powder, bits of which you would find still stuck to your face the next day.