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Songkran Aims For A Splashy World Record


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Posted

Songkran aims for a splashy world record

By The Nation

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Many corners of the country got a head start on the Songkran Festival yesterday.

Revellers in Bangkok, for example, did not need to wait until today for the celebrations to kick off.

Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra presided over the launch of a variety of activities to commemorate the important occasion.

The first was to bring the muchrevered Phra Buddha Sihing image out of the National Museum for the public to pay respects to and ask for blessings, as Songkran marks the Thai New Year.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has organised a full slate of fairs, cultural shows and traditional games.

At 7am today, a meritmaking ceremony will be held in front of City Hall, with the governor attending.

Then at 4pm, more than 3,000 challengers will gather at the vast plaza of CentralWorld to shoot water from their cannons at each other for at least 10 minutes nonstop, in an effort to get into the Guinness Book of World Records.

Khao San Road promises to attract huge crowds as usual. The water fights there are always cool, but the turnout may be even bigger this year because Kim Jeong Hoon, a South Korean actor from the popular TV series "Princess Hour", will join a parade down this worldfamous venue.

Security measures are in place to ensure that the merrymaking on Khao San will be not just fun but also safe. Booze is strictly prohibited.

As Khao San is a popular haunt for foreigners, a Miss Songkran beauty contest will be held again, welcoming contestants from various countries.

The Culture Ministry is calling on Thais to celebrate Songkran in a modest manner.

"Don't put ice into the water and don't throw water at someone," permanent secretary Somchai Sianglai said.

The United States has sent New Year's greetings to the Thai people.

On the US Embassy's website appears a message from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

"On behalf of US President [barack] Obama and the American people, I send best wishes to the people of Thailand as you celebrate the Songkran Festival and the Thai New Year in the coming days."

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-- The Nation 2011-04-13

Posted

As an English guy living in the North West, I am fully behind the spirit of a " splashy " Song Gran. The young children enjoying the

" water chucking " and using their water pistols is good to see and always makes me smile. I do feel however that the older lads take things too far. Yesterday early evening I witnessed three or four youths, who were very unsteady on their feet, actually standing in the road and stopping cars. Trying to open the doors and soak the drivers and passengers. This is irresponsible, very intimidating for the people in the car, and extremely dangerous for other road users. So long live the spirit, let the children have fun, but respect should be given to all.

Posted

"Security measures are in place to ensure that the merrymaking on Khao San will be not just fun but also safe. Booze is strictly prohibited."

Really?

Posted

Oh what a lovely message from dear old US of A and Thailand doesnt even need to participate in unjustified wars in the middle east like Australia and the UK do. If the US's foreign war allies didnt support their war effort I wonder if they would recieve such nice words on their special days?

Posted

Sawadee Pee Mai!

Oh what a lovely message from dear old US of A and Thailand doesnt even need to participate in unjustified wars in the middle east like Australia and the UK do. If the US's foreign war allies didnt support their war effort I wonder if they would recieve such nice words on their special days?

Posted

I'm hiding in the house for a week. Plenty of provisions. I'm living just off Soi 4, Sukhumvit.....bunch of rowdy drunks.....

Do I dare go to the park on my bicycle for my daily run...

Posted

I'm hiding in the house for a week. Plenty of provisions. I'm living just off Soi 4, Sukhumvit.....bunch of rowdy drunks.....

Do I dare go to the park on my bicycle for my daily run...

Go on be brave and run the gauntlet - we will support you as you get wet and have fun. I wish everyone a very Happy Thai New Year.

Posted

Oh what a lovely message from dear old US of A and Thailand doesnt even need to participate in unjustified wars in the middle east like Australia and the UK do. If the US's foreign war allies didnt support their war effort I wonder if they would recieve such nice words on their special days?

There's always one naysayer for anything. For us Americans I guess it is you. You probably don't say happy birthday to your wife though.

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