For the last few days there has been the constant sound of fire-crackers in the village, ranging in volume from a small pop to semtex like proportions.

I know that we can't be having that many funerals!

Is it happening anywhere else and anyone know the reason?

I believe it is part of the Thai Lent festival which is on the 27th of this month. But then again I could be wrong.

Here in my village they started around the beginning of the month. They celebrated their ancestors on the 13th. So they where banging away for two weeks prior to that. This village is Khmer speaking, and seem to have slightly different dates for things.

Lots of fireworks to scare away the bad spirits on the 13th. So maybe thats what they are building up to do in your village too

It's been going on around our village for a few weeks too. I was told it is to do with the Buddhist lent.

Thanks chaps, that explains it.

I've got a house-full of dogs at the moment, some of the louder bangs are really scaring them, poor things.

Thanks chaps, that explains it.

I've got a house-full of dogs at the moment, some of the louder bangs are really scaring them, poor things.

Are you sure it's the banging, or have you got that shirt on......... ,

Winding you up........

you ok...

Thanks chaps, that explains it.

I've got a house-full of dogs at the moment, some of the louder bangs are really scaring them, poor things.

Are you sure it's the banging, or have you got that shirt on......... ,

Winding you up........

you ok...

Yep, fine.

The shirt in question is now on the top of a pole..... it keeps the pigeons away

The bangs were really getting to our old dog today.

I was making up bee-feeding syrup in the utility room beside our car-port and he came in and went to hide behind the door of its 'hong nam'.

So, behind that door, I put a big cardboard box on its side with one flap hanging down to make it semi-dark and he curled up in that.

Vets have told me that dogs have a primeval urge to hide in a cave away from danger; so a pseudo cave is the best help we can give them.

It marks the End of Buddhist Lent.

Lent starts when the candle festival is held, called khaophansa.

Lent ends after 3 lunar months and is called Okphansa.

google is your friend for more information