Pattaya Comes Alive as Tourists Start Songkran Water Play Early in Soi 7-8

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Kaoded.

 

The lively Songkran atmosphere of Soi 7-8 along Pattaya Beach Road kicked off early this year, as both international tourists and local bar operators embraced the spirit of Songkran ahead of the official “Wan Lai” celebrations.

 

On 11 April, the popular nightlife area saw increasing numbers of revellers enjoying the festive mood, with many bars placing large water tanks outside and inviting tourists to join in the traditional water-splashing festivities. The early celebration was fuelled by soaring temperatures, prompting both Thai and foreign visitors to cool down with playful water fights before the designated dates.

 

Adding to the fun, local vendors arrived with sidecar motorbikes loaded with water guns and other water play accessories, selling them to tourists eager to join in. The impromptu celebrations have transformed the area into a vibrant, high-energy zone filled with music, laughter, and the joyful wet spirit of Songkran.

Traditionally, Naklua holds its “Wan Lai” celebrations on 18 April, with Pattaya following on 19 April. However, the intense heat this year appears to have prompted an early start to the festivities.

 

Pattaya City authorities have announced that on 19 April, Beach Road will be closed to traffic to allow visitors to enjoy the full experience of Songkran safely and conveniently. Attendance for the official “Wan Lai” is expected to exceed ten thousand people, as Pattaya continues to cement its reputation as one of Thailand’s premier Songkran destinations.

 

 

-- 2025-04-12

 

[jacko45k]

4 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

The early celebration was fuelled by soaring temperatures,

Nonsense, it was raining a lot in the morning and relatively cool all day Friday. 

[Lucky Bones]

Pretty sure this exact story has been run for 10 years or so. Nothing new.....move along🙃🙃

[scubascuba3]

8 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Nonsense, it was raining a lot in the morning and relatively cool all day Friday. 

Afternoon was very hot, could feel the burn, i was out on Buakhao luckily the water fights were confined to soi 7 and 8

[jacko45k]

3 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Afternoon was very hot, could feel the burn, i was out on Buakhao luckily the water fights were confined to soi 7 and 8

I did a little outdoor job at the house and felt fine. Earlier that morning I was having a swim as the rain poured down. I am only about 10 k north of town. 

Nothing compared to last years heatwave. 

[smedly]

just crazy and annoying, do they realise this is bad for business 

[Mason45]

I've participated in 2 Songkrans many years ago, that was enough for me. I'm bunkered down in my condo with one weeks supply of food, booze and and I'm more than happy having a break from the cultured load of bs.

[Rampant Rabbit]

2 minutes ago, smedly said:

just crazy and annoying, do they realise this is bad for business 

Half of those businesses are so  poorly run with such bad customer service they wont even notice.

[Crossy]

I noticed the lady (almost) in the blue top, on the right of the first picture.

 

I could die happy in there 😛 

[watchcat]

39 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Pattaya continues to cement its reputation as one of Thailand’s premier Songkran destinations.

 

Please keep it there.

[Jingthing]

No mention of the inevitable sadism of Pattaya Water Wars. 

[petermik]

1 hour ago, Crossy said:

I noticed the lady (almost) in the blue top, on the right of the first picture.

 

I could die happy in there 😛 

Nah Crossy....a pair of razor straps that hang down to her knees is no enticement...a firm perky handful is enough 🤣

[smedly]

1 hour ago, Rampant Rabbit said:

Half of those businesses are so  poorly run with such bad customer service they wont even notice.

no obvious foreign customers in either photo, maybe trying to attract some - I personally will be avoiding soi 7/8 after seeing these photos, I feel sorry for businesses the normally do well and don't want this madness for 9 days, Hua Hin do it right - one day only

[Tropicalevo]

3 hours ago, Lucky Bones said:

Pretty sure this exact story has been run for 10 years or so. Nothing new.....move along🙃🙃

 

A lot longer than that methinks.

I was there for Songkran 25 years ago.

Mayhem.

Said that I would never return.

The only time that I did go back was for a friend's funeral.

 

[NickyLouie]

such a low class event in Pattaya 

[PJ71]

4 hours ago, Crossy said:

I noticed the lady (almost) in the blue top, on the right of the first picture.

 

I could die happy in there 😛 

Are you referring to the fat munter?

[Emdog]

4 hours ago, Crossy said:

I noticed the lady (almost) in the blue top, on the right of the first picture.

 

I could die happy in there 😛 

But you'd still be dead.... or would you be happy you're dead, not having to be alive in same cycle as her?

[scubascuba3]

Started Soi 6 today 

[Lucky Bones]

12 hours ago, Crossy said:

I noticed the lady (almost) in the blue top, on the right of the first picture.

 

I could die happy in there 😛 

Oh Crossy

. Haven't you done the Specsavers test yet🙃🙃