Songkran Madness

[fanciman]

... because I would rather be out of town when it is happening.

[Ulysses G.]

Starts afternoon 11 April - 15 April.

Everthing back to normal on 16 April.

[misterman21]

What about Pattaya - I think it goes on for 8 days or so? * days of mayhem, lunacy and death!

[Ajarn]

Starts afternoon 11 April - 15 April.

Everthing back to normal on 16 April.

16th is still a govt holiday, so some people may continue water blasting

[Ulysses G.]

Kun Lek, the law in the city is quite strict these days about when they can start, and have to stop and my staff have never been wrong.

It is not like when we first came here and they could do whatever they wanted.

[Ajarn]

Kun Lek, the law in the city is quite strict these days about when they can start, and have to stop and my staff have never been wrong.

It is not like when we first came here and they could do whatever they wanted.

The Mayor said it, not me

[Ulysses G.]

From what I have seen for the last few years, I would be most surprised.

Maybe we should start collecting a defence fund for the first farang to snap and go postal after being locked up for 5 days and then someones dumps a barrell of water on him wearing his Sunday best on day 6!

[Mapguy]

... because I would rather be out of town when it is happening.

Recently received from CEC [Chiang Mai Expats Club]:

Greetings CEC members,

Recently when Dr. Duentemdoung na Chiengmai, the mayor of Chiang Mai, spoke at a meeting of the Chiang Mai Expats Club, she paid us a great complement by telling the Expats "you are Chiang Mai people also." She received a big round of applause for her statement because we were pleased that the mayor acknowledged the importance of Expats in the Chiang Mai community.

Now we have the opportunity to show the mayor and all the Thai people of Chiang that we really are "Chiang Mai people." This year during Songkran there will be 20 "Polite Zones" around the city moat. The purpose of these Polite Zones is to show people the more traditional way of celebrating Songkran. Over the past years Chiang Mai has become famous for celebrating Songkran but many of the activities have gone far beyond the traditional celebration of Songkran. The excessive water fights, rowdy crowds, and rambunctious behavior have become a part of Songkran in Chiang Mai that does not represent the traditional celebration... in fact in some cases it is contrary to the traditional celebration. Both Expats and Thais have been involved in this behavior that is not representative of Songkran. Songkran is an importation celebration for people in Thailand, much like the celebration of New Years in western countries but with a more traditional family oriented celebration.

The mayor of Chiang Mai is asking for volunteers from both the Thai community and the Expat community to help in the Polite Zones during Songkran. She wants people to understand and see the traditional celebration of Songkran. Dr. Duentemdoung has asked the Expat community to have 100 Expat volunteers in the Polite Zone. By serving as a Polite Zone volunteer, you can show the mayor and the entire Chiang Mai community that you are truly a "Chiang Mai person." CEC is working with Chiang Mai Friends Group to help recruit volunteers for this unique opportunity.

There will be a training and orientation meeting Saturday April 5 at 3pm where you will get full details of the Polite Zones and orientation about the traditional Songkran. Thai volunteers will be at all the Polite Zones to assist you during Songkran. You can determine at the orientation meeting the time and days you want to volunteer. You can volunteer as much time or as little time depending on your personal your schedule. The meeting will be held at the Wisdom School (roong rian sueb sarn lannaa), address 35 Rattanakosin Rd. behind Prince Royal College.

Directions: Drive east on Rattanakosin Road over Rama IX Bridge. The first stop light is immediately as your drive over the bridge. Drive to the second stop light and about 40 meters beyond the stop light is the first soi turning left off Rattanakosin. There is an arch over the soi with an English sign to the right of the arch for Aka-Spa. Turn left on the soi and proceed past the gate to Aka-Spa which will be on your right. The road ends about 40 meters beyond the gate to Aka-Spa and you will see Wisdom school at the end of the road.

Attached is the form to be completed for those wishing to volunteer. Please complete the form and return the 3 required documents. These documents are necessary because Chiang Mai city administration has coordinate with immigration for special permission that allows Expats to volunteer for the Polite Zone and not be in violation of their visa requirements, regardless of the type of visa you have. Be certain to complete all the information on the form including your shirt size because all volunteers will be provided with a special shirt to identify you as a Polite Zone volunteer.

The required documents are:

1) The Personal Information Form

2) Copy of your passport. Please sign the front of the copy to validate the copy of your passport. You can also note "to be used for Songkran 2008 volunteer only"

3) 2 passport size pictures. Please put your name on the back of the pictures.

Please staple or clip the 3 documents together.

The form and documents can be turned in at:

Boutique Travel Services 44/3 Sridonchi Click for directions http://www.btsthailand.com/contact.php

Tuskers Bar and Grill. Chaiyaphum, Soi 1 Click for directions http://www.tuskersbar.com/index.php?page=findus

The Chiang Mai Expats Club motto is "Expats helping Expats". This is a great opportunity for CEC to really show this motto to both the Expat and Thai community.

Will you complete the form today and bring it to one of the locations indicated above? Please complete and return the forms by April 5.

Chiang Mai needs 100 Expat volunteers.... CEC can do it!!

Any questions should be directed to Al Trussell [email protected]

Thanks for your support,

Al Trussell

CEC Board member

Member Chiang Mai Friends Group

Volunteer_for_Songkran_with_Chiang_Mai_Municipality.doc

[scotbeve]

What about Pattaya - I think it goes on for 8 days or so? * days of mayhem, lunacy and death!

Actually, in some areas within Chiang Mai province, a more "quiet" type of water throwing goes for up to 10 days. When I'm up at the farm in Mae Ai, I'll take a putt-putt cycle for a spin when I get too hot and all the young kids in the villages around the area won't throw buckets of water but the small pans of water (and it's clean..). Nice... Some even put some of their Dad's or Mom's cheap cologne / perfume in the water. Instant shower!

[Nienke]

Some background info on the Songkran festival. From: http://www.thaiwaysmagazine.com/thai_artic...n_festival.html

Happy New Year Songkran Festival

Are you wondering why we are saying "Happy New Year" to you at this late time? That is because April 13 is the traditional Thai New Year's Day, which is celebrated by the Thai people throughout the country from the old to the young and from the royalty to the ordinary people.

Thailand adopted this tradition from the ancient Brahmins in India who believed that the sun re-entered Aries and finished its orbit round the earth on April 13.

Buddhists sprinkle scented water on Phra Phuttha Sihing, a famous Buddha image in Thailand.

In northern India, April is the beginning of spring when the trees start to bud and bloom and the hibernating animals come out to find food. So, for the ancient Indian people, April was a sign of new life and marked the beginning of a new year. That is why they observed (some still do) their New Year's Day on April 13.

The Thais, who began their cultural relations with the Indians even before their recorded history, readily inherited this tradition partly because they were free from farm work during this period. This occasion is called "Songkran" by the Thais and "Sangkranti" by the Indians.

In Thailand, this festival is celebrated for three days from April 13 to April 15. Before the celebrations, people will clean their houses in the hope of casting away any bad luck of the old year, so that good fortune will slip into their new lives instead. Food and sweets will be prepared in advance for merit making and for treating guests.

In some northern rural areas, explosive sounds and loud noises will be made to chase the ghosts away. Candles will be lit and piles of wood will be burned in front of the houses on New Year's Eve to shine the way for the spirits, which old people believe will come out of their places on that night.

The Songkran celebrations will begin with food presentation to the monks who will walk along the streets in the early morning to receive food and other offerings. But some people will take food to the monasteries nearby for the monks.

After the food giving, the merit will be transferred to the ancestors by pouring water onto the ground or a tree. In big cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai, the most revered Buddha image will be carried in a procession along the streets to an open space for people to sprinkle water on to show their veneration.

Younger people pour water on the elders' palms to convey their best wishes.

One of the activities for young people to do is to convey their best wishes to their elders by pouring water on them or their palms. After this, it is time for children and young people to have full enjoyment with water-throwing, dancing and folk games

Sand Chedi making is a way of merit making on Songkran Day. (By courtesy of TAT)

Regarding the origin of this joyous festival, legend has it that there was a god named Kabilla Phrom who loved to bet. One day he learned about a little boy named Thammabal Kumara who, at the age of seven, was able to recite scriptures in public. Knowing of this prodigy, the god would like very much to test Thammabal Kumara's knowledge.

So, he descended to earth and posed three riddles to the boy, with a wager that if Thammabal Kumara could solve them, the god would give him his head. But if the boy failed to come up with the right answers within seven days, he would lose his head to the god.

The three riddles were: where did a person's aura exist in the morning, where was it at noon, and where did it appear at night? The boy pondered over these riddles for six days. Yet he could not figure out the answers. Fortunately, while he was lying in despair under palm trees, he overheard a couple of male and female eagles talking joyfully that they would soon feast on the body of a boy who would not be able to solve three riddles.

They then disclosed the answers to these riddles. Thus, on the day of crucial importance, Thammabal Kumara just repeated what he had heard from the eagles, which turned out to be the correct answers, viz. in the morning, a person's aura appeared on his face, so he washed it. At noon, it was at his chest; so, he wore perfume there. And at night, his aura moved to his feet; that was why he bathed them.

As he had lost the bet, the god kept his word and cut off his own head. However, the head of Thao Kabilla Phrom was known to have some very strange potentialities: If it should touch the ground, the earth would catch fire; if it should be left in the air, there would be no rain; and if it should be dropped into the sea, the sea would dry up.

To save the earth from any of these calamities, the god's seven daughters placed their father's head on a footed tray and carried it in a procession around Mount Sumeru1 before setting it in a cave at Mount Krailat2 with many offerings.

Every new year at the beginning of a 365-day cycle on Songkran Day, the god's seven daughters took turns to bring out the god's head and carry it in procession around Mount Sumeru.

The seven Ladies of the Songkran festival are named after the seven days of the week. Each year, Songkran Day will fall on one of the seven days. For example, it falls on Tuesday this year, and the Songkran lady is called "Raksot". Below are brief details about them:

The Sunday lady, called "Tungsa Devi," wears pomegranate flowers behind her ears and her gem is ruby. She eats a kind of fig, holding a discus in her right hand and a conch in her left. She rides on a garuda.

The Monday lady's name is "Korakha Devi", she wears flowers from the Indian cork tree behind her ears. Moonstone is her gem. She has a sword in her right hand and a staff in her left. She eats oil and rides on a tiger.

The Tuesday lady named "Raksot Devi" has lotus buds behind her ears. Her gem is agate and she holds a trident in her right hand and a bow in her left. She drinks blood and rides on a pig.

The Wednesday lady is called "Montha Devi" and has champak flowers behind her ears. Cat's eye is her gem. She holds a stylus and a staff. She drinks milk and eats butter. A donkey is her vehicle.

The Thursday lady, whose name is "Kirini Devi", wears Magnolia flowers behind her ears. Her gem is emerald and she eats nuts and sesame seeds. She has a hook and a bow as her attributes, riding on an elephant.

The Friday lady called "Kimitha Devi", wears waterlilies behind her ears. Topaz is her gem and bananas are her food. A sword is in her right hand and a lute in her left. She rides on a buffalo.

The Saturday lady is named "Mahothon Devi". She has water hyacinth flowers behind her ears. Blue sapphire is her gem and she eats hog deer meat. She has a discus and trident as attributes. She rides on a peacock.

According to the legend, these Songkran ladies are more hideous than gorgeous. However, a beauty contest to choose the Songkran lady of the year always misleads people to believe otherwise.

Another tradition to be observed during the Songkran Festival is to free birds or fish as a way of merit making. This is done out of a belief that these creatures will take the bad luck away from their liberators.

Some readers may wonder why water is used as a means of greetings, blessing and showing respect in the Songkran Festival. In fact, water is used for such purposes not only at the Songkran Festival, but also at other Thai traditional rites, such as weddings and funerals.

The reason is that the Thais in olden times held that water was a pure thing which was able to wash all kinds of evil and misfortune away and bring good luck and happiness with it. From what appears on the surface, the Songkran Festival is called the Water Festival by some foreigners.

In former times when transportation was difficult, Songkran Day was specially significant to the Thai people. Because, in addition to its importance as New Year's Day, when boys and girls had a chance to meet one another and children had a lot of fun, Songkran, like Christmas Day of the Westerners and the Spring Festival of the Chinese, meant the day when members of a family, usually scattered in far away places, had a chance to stay, enjoy and celebrate together in a family reunion.

This and above pictures: Scenes of Phra Pradaeng's Songkran Festival; parades, a practice of bird & fish freeing,

and the saba game.

At present, the Songkran Festival is celebrated nationwide. Major provinces that will be participating in a grand way are: Bangkok (Khao San Road -- which is the most famous among tourists), Samut Prakan(Phra Pradaeng county), Chon Buri (Pattaya) and Chiang Mai.

In all places, colourful and splendid processions, a Miss Songkran contest, folk dances and traditional games are held. No matter which place you may visit during the festival, you are sure to find great fun and enjoyment, though people who are not prepared to get drenched are advised to stay at a distance from the crowds.

So, if you are planning a vacation in April, why not take this opportunity to join the Thai people in their celebrations and share their enjoyment?

1According to ancient legends, Mount Sumeru is a mount on which the Tavatisma heaven is situated.

2Indra, a Hindu god, is believed to reside at Mount Krailat.

History of Songkran

The origins of the festivities date back nearly a thousand years. The ancestors of the Thais in China's Yunnan Province would celebrate the start of a new farming cycle during the fifth full moon of the lunar calendar. Songkran always falls sometime between 10 April and 18 April.

The water theme of the festivities is a symbol of cleansing and renewal, and centuries ago the Thai people would delicately sprinkle scented water from silver bowls onto the hands of the elders in their families. They would attend sermons and would gently bathe the Buddha images in the temples which would also be spring-cleaned.

The younger members of the family would tie strings around the wrists of elders while wishing them luck. If you had enough family members you could end up with an arm covered with string, which you would have to leave on until they fell off of their own accord.

Food has also traditionally played a large part in the festival, with street vendors selling all sorts of Thai delicacies, such as satay sticks, steaming bowls of hot and sour soup, bags of fresh fruits including mangoes, paw paws and pineapples, and sweet pancakes.

[gpdjohn]

Thank you Nienke

It's nice to know the history behind it.

[Jefferson]

Now we have the opportunity to show the mayor and all the Thai people of Chiang that we really are "Chiang Mai people." This year during Songkran there will be 20 "Polite Zones" around the city moat. The purpose of these Polite Zones is to show people the more traditional way of celebrating Songkran. Over the past years Chiang Mai has become famous for celebrating Songkran but many of the activities have gone far beyond the traditional celebration of Songkran. The excessive water fights, rowdy crowds, and rambunctious behavior have become a part of Songkran in Chiang Mai that does not represent the traditional celebration... in fact in some cases it is contrary to the traditional celebration. Both Expats and Thais have been involved in this behavior that is not representative of Songkran. Songkran is an importation celebration for people in Thailand, much like the celebration of New Years in western countries but with a more traditional family oriented celebration.

The mayor of Chiang Mai is asking for volunteers from both the Thai community and the Expat community to help in the Polite Zones during Songkran. She wants people to understand and see the traditional celebration of Songkran. Dr. Duentemdoung has asked the Expat community to have 100 Expat volunteers in the Polite Zone. By serving as a Polite Zone volunteer, you can show the mayor and the entire Chiang Mai community that you are truly a "Chiang Mai person." CEC is working with Chiang Mai Friends Group to help recruit volunteers for this unique opportunity.

:D

So you're suggesting that people who love a fun Songkran water fight somehow love Chiang Mai less? What a load of chunky poo!

But out of interest, where are the polite zones? And a whopping 20 of them? How about just ONE along Ratchadamnoen Road? I could just about avoid that one I think.

[Mapguy]

Now we have the opportunity to show the mayor and all the Thai people of Chiang that we really are "Chiang Mai people." This year during Songkran there will be 20 "Polite Zones" around the city moat. The purpose of these Polite Zones is to show people the more traditional way of celebrating Songkran. Over the past years Chiang Mai has become famous for celebrating Songkran but many of the activities have gone far beyond the traditional celebration of Songkran. The excessive water fights, rowdy crowds, and rambunctious behavior have become a part of Songkran in Chiang Mai that does not represent the traditional celebration... in fact in some cases it is contrary to the traditional celebration. Both Expats and Thais have been involved in this behavior that is not representative of Songkran. Songkran is an importation celebration for people in Thailand, much like the celebration of New Years in western countries but with a more traditional family oriented celebration.

The mayor of Chiang Mai is asking for volunteers from both the Thai community and the Expat community to help in the Polite Zones during Songkran. She wants people to understand and see the traditional celebration of Songkran. Dr. Duentemdoung has asked the Expat community to have 100 Expat volunteers in the Polite Zone. By serving as a Polite Zone volunteer, you can show the mayor and the entire Chiang Mai community that you are truly a "Chiang Mai person." CEC is working with Chiang Mai Friends Group to help recruit volunteers for this unique opportunity.

So you're suggesting that people who love a fun Songkran water fight somehow love Chiang Mai less? What a load of chunky poo!

But out of interest, where are the polite zones? And a whopping 20 of them? How about just ONE along Ratchadamnoen Road? I could just about avoid that one I think.

Nope, no "stinky poo." But, if you have been through all this, you will appreciate it that not all people appreciate a blast of water, or ice, unfortunately, as the ante seems to be going up. After a while, that can get a little old.

Want to know where the sites are? Volunteer to be at one. The application is on more than one place on this web site. You don't have to be there all the time. Get your jollies, but if someone knocks you off your bike with a blast and you need a rest after you visit Ram I, spend some time at one of the zones.

If you happen to come by my place, please shout and I'll let you have it with my garden hose. But don't bend over! That might hurt!

[Ulysses G.]

I've got an OK restauraunt in the building where I live and a buddy just lent me 6 years worth of my new favorite TV show, "The Shield" on DVDs. I'm not sure how much water I will actually be throwing this year!

[Jefferson]

Nope, no "stinky poo." But, if you have been through all this, you will appreciate it that not all people appreciate a blast of water, or ice, unfortunately, as the ante seems to be going up. After a while, that can get a little old.

I appreciate all that, and peoples tastes and ideas of fun of course differ. But CEC actually managed to get on paper: "By serving as a Polite Zone volunteer, you can show the mayor and the entire Chiang Mai community that you are truly a "Chiang Mai person."" and "Both Expats and Thais have been involved in this behavior that is not representative of Songkran.".

Sorry, but those are not facts, a whole lot of Chiang Mai born & bred people love the "excessive" fun. It seems all the fashion these days in Thailand among the Thai establishment to brand anything fun ('sanuk' if you will) as bad. OOoh, Uni girls wearing spaghetti strap blouses.. baaaaddd. Ooooh, beer girls, baaaaddd. Oooh, people having a drink after 1pm.. bbbbbBBBBAaaaddd..

I mean enough already. I totally understand not appreciating Songkran to the nth degree for 6 days straight, but my take on CEC is to not go around blabbering about 'true Chiang Mai people'. Once again:

Want to know where the sites are? Volunteer to be at one. The application is on more than one place on this web site. You don't have to be there all the time. Get your jollies, but if someone knocks you off your bike with a blast and you need a rest after you visit Ram I, spend some time at one of the zones.

Ok, that actually sounds reasonable. Can't be in a proper water fight for 6 hours straight anyway.

If you happen to come by my place, please shout and I'll let you have it with my garden hose. But don't bend over! That might hurt!

Umm.. ... Ok.

Edited April 2, 2008 by Jefferson

[Jefferson]

One more thing: How would anyone know where the polite zones are if you don't tell people where they are?

Perhaps I wouldn't want to volunteer simply because I want to have no part in CEC and also don't want to be seen as contributing to the degeneration of Songkran into a yawn inducing cultural exhibition for fussy-Thai-aunties-who-can't-get-laid. There are already plenty of those, but THERES ONLY ONE SONGKRAN!!! :D

(And I most certainly don't feel like submitting a passport copy & photographs..!)

So, ehh: Please? Where are these places, then I'll make sure to drop by and celebrate in tune with whatever goes on there.

There better be Sato involved though, or I won't last 10 minutes.

[tijnebijn]

I will ONLY go out in the evenings .

Sorry to say but I have had more then enough of the water throwing ,

mosly youngster still can enjoy themselves I guess .

At least in the evening I can give them a famous face , not to throw

anything on me . At daytime I just give them the happy face ,

mai pen rai nah ......but like Ulysses I will be busy with my new hobby ....

[Mapguy]

One more thing: How would anyone know where the polite zones are if you don't tell people where they are?

Perhaps I wouldn't want to volunteer simply because I want to have no part in CEC and also don't want to be seen as contributing to the degeneration of Songkran into a yawn inducing cultural exhibition for fussy-Thai-aunties-who-can't-get-laid. There are already plenty of those, but THERES ONLY ONE SONGKRAN!!!

(And I most certainly don't feel like submitting a passport copy & photographs..!)

So, ehh: Please? Where are these places, then I'll make sure to drop by and celebrate in tune with whatever goes on there.

There better be Sato involved though, or I won't last 10 minutes.

Well, I don't know where the 20 zones will be. My guess is that they will be distributed roughly evenly around the moat. Five to a side? I don't know. You'll be able to spot them. By signing up you'll know where they are in advance.

Otherwise, I agree with you that CEC comes across in that letter (your quotes) from time to time as a bit holier-than-thou. Oh, well! The basic idea is a good one in my view. Even UG agrees with that!

[Ulysses G.]

I have to admit that I would get PO-ed when someone would zap me in the informal "polite zones" of the past (the cement park in front of Thapae Road and the road with all the food carts on the other side). Maybe making them "official" protected areas will prevent the w*nkers who are just looking to make others angry from attacking people.

If anonymouse was around, we could watch him Kung <deleted> them!

[sylviex]

I am not sure if the words about "being truly a Chiangmai person" were generated by the Mayor or by Chiangmai Expats Club ( CEC).

I think the former ?

"Chiangmai Friends" - a different entity to CEC - have also played some part in disseminating information about the "polite zones".

Mind your impolite zones in the wet zones

Dry off in the polite zones

and above all, keep safe this Songkran.

Edited April 3, 2008 by sylviex