The best place to be in the Kingdom during Songkran is Chiang Mai. It's really fun there, almost a carnival.

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand will celebrate this year’s Songkran festival for three weeks nationwide, starting on April 1st,

One of the major reasons I'm flying out of Thailand March 27th and won't be back until May. 

10 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

I wonder how such decisions are made. Like: someone high up in the party has this idea. And then? Let's do it.

Are there any discussions or even an impact study what consequences there might be.

Or just: Ok, let's do it. We will see later what happened.

And later: Nobody could have foreseen that one... 

 

My bet is that the economy (and people's incomes) aren't doing as well as is proclaimed every other day, so this is the simplest solution to keep the masses happy...

Off to source a really good waterproof bag to carry my phone and important bits. pl;uis a good lawyers numbger to deal with the people I HIT FOR Splashing me as I walk about just working 

 

Crazy!!

34 minutes ago, Shocked farang said:

The best place to be in the Kingdom during Songkran is Chiang Mai. It's really fun there, almost a carnival.

Well that does sounds like fun it's just too bad I'm not 12 years old anymore.

11 hours ago, it is what it is said:

 

statistically, the average number of road traffic deaths and injuries during songkran is consistent with the average for the numbers during the rest of the year. it's media hype that feeds the 'deadly days' myth.

 

Average road deaths per day normally is 54, during the last songkran it was 67 , a 24% increase.

That's me holed up for three weeks

11 hours ago, findlay13 said:

 

Double post - sorry!

11 hours ago, bbko said:

Queue the standard "I hate Songkran" posts, 555.

 

11 hours ago, findlay13 said:

Queue the standard " I love songkran and if you don't like it leave" posts 555

Cue the annual squabbles from "Les miserables " on the forum...

The idea that extending and diluting the unique holiday is somehow a good thing is perplexing.

 

People, citizens, and tourists have limited time and money to spend.

 

It might be better to promote individual provinces' tourism opportunities with unique celebrations spread out throughout the year.

 

 

Extending Songkhran to 21 days is a bit like diluting a Chateaux Margaux with water to get 40 glasses instead of four.

 

 

1 hour ago, StayinThailand2much said:

My bet is that the economy (and people's incomes) aren't doing as well as is proclaimed every other day, so this is the simplest solution to keep the masses happy...

Yes, that sounds about right.

But will it make people happy?

I am sure they like 3 weeks of fun. But how many can afford 3 weeks of fun?

I thought they were trying to stop or reduce the water splashing and make songkran more traditional.. they seem to be using the words soft power alot as an excuse. 4 days of driving around wet was quite a bit. I can not imagine being wary of water throwers to drivers for 3 weeks. It also does not say if it will be a national holiday for those 3 weeks... Will government offices be closed? 

13 hours ago, meauwnam said:

This will also boost the number of traffic victims. They have lost their minds

What minds ? 😂🤣😂

Starting April the first - April Fools Day. Think about it!!

3 weeks of public holiday ?

3 weeks of water madness ?

I wonder if government put any thought into it

Entire nation of immature and idiotic politicians, chasing the $ whilst issuing a nationwide drought a month later

Does that mean Immigration offices, Banks will be closed for 3 weeks???

1 minute ago, parallelman said:

Does that mean Immigration offices, Banks will be closed for 3 weeks???

No.

God those 50 something bald farangs playing solders, and that horrible pounding never ending em, music... 

Their decision making skills are limited. Sort of like making marijuana a free for all without a thought. It will be interesting.

I don’t really understand what this means in real terms - does this actually mean that for three weeks I run the gauntlet of someone chucking a bucket of water over me as I go to work? I get it for a couple of days but surely this doesn’t meant water throwing for three weeks? 

47 minutes ago, BestB said:

3 weeks of public holiday ?

3 weeks of water madness ?

I wonder if government put any thought into it

 

I doubt that they thought this out for even 3 seconds...

Just from looking at the picture...this will attract all the big spenders.  The expensive hotels and venues are sure to be packed.

Sounds like a good time to plan a trip outside of Thailand.

3 minutes ago, NedR69 said:

Just from looking at the picture...this will attract all the big spenders.  The expensive hotels and venues are sure to be packed.

Yep, they'll do anything to attract those quality tourists.

13 hours ago, it is what it is said:

 

statistically, the average number of road traffic deaths and injuries during songkran is consistent with the average for the numbers during the rest of the year. it's media hype that feeds the 'deadly days' myth.

Its still deadly, road deaths are way too high!

3 days is 2 too many. 

14 hours ago, still kicking said:

Well Thais are rich they can afford not working for 3 weeks.

 

It isn't a holiday. It's a celebration.

14 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

Excellent news. I look forward to 3 weeks off work.

 

It isn't a holiday. It's a celebration.