Songkran In Cm Why Are Farangs So Stupid?

[msg362]

Songkran around the moat in CM and you will get wet!. But carrying an expensive video camera ( it was wearing a raincoat), almost all the Thais, when they saw the camera did not spray directly at it. Admittedly some did put ice cold water down my back, but that's OK. They looked and saw and smiled.

Now the farangs, a different story. One deliberately tried to squirt water into the camera while I was trying to put it away, another, from about 50 cm squirted water directly in to my face. They do this with an inane look on their face. Others did similar things. Not all farangs, but many of them. What goes on in the head of a 20 year something farang grinning inanely and trying to ruin a £2000 video camera?. Why squirt from 50 cm?

Others, wearing just shorts, walked wet into the cafe I was stopping at, dripping everywhere, with no regard for the owners. ( he was upset)

You could see the look of disdain on the face of Thais.

A real pity

The parade was great!

[Thongkorn]

why have an expensive camera when you are in Thailand walking around in Songkran , maybe its you who did not think.

[metisdead]

As this is Chiang Mai related, let's move this on over to that forum.

[barefoot1988]

evil. im evil as well armed with a proper imported super soaker aiming stricting only at eyes, camera men, females wearing white and most of the time aiming at th exhaust pipe intake holes

Edited April 13, 2012 by barefoot1988

[DavidOxon]

I had a great time, 4 hours of walking and playing round the moat, until I got to the farang section round tae pae gate/loi kroh... what a bunch of pis**d up ar**holes! Really, what a contrast....

[farang000999]

In 8 years I have never been wet unwillingly. Will ogten go out in the middle of the day to the store, no porblem.

[edwardandtubs]

Probably because the world's biggest idiots all head to Thailand for what is actively promoted as the world's biggest water fight. <deleted> do you expect?

[eek]

why have an expensive camera when you are in Thailand walking around in Songkran , maybe its you who did not think.

Hmm sorry Thongkorn, i disagree. Surely people can have a bit of consideration. I actually dont understand the need for inconsiderate behaviour such as trying to wreck someones equipment, trying to squirt water in someones ear or eyes, or back streets where people are wearing regular clothes, obviously not participating in songkran (or in the evening when ppl are dressed for dinner). (The ice water does my head in as well to be honest, but thats just a personal grouch). Just dont get why people can enjoy an event, as crazy as it may be, without the need for pretty extreme behaviour. Like rabid dogs let of a leash or something...just dont get it.

[arthurwait]

In 8 years I have never been wet unwillingly. Will ogten go out in the middle of the day to the store, no porblem.

Adult nappies ?

[happysanook]

why have an expensive camera when you are in Thailand walking around in Songkran , maybe its you who did not think.

Exactly. The subject could just as easily read, ' what kind of moron brings a $2000 video camera out on songkran '.

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[eek]

Probably because the world's biggest idiots all head to Thailand for what is actively promoted as the world's biggest water fight. <deleted> do you expect?

So people lose all sense of logic and consideration??

I can get that many farangs dont know about some polite rules of conduct regarding Songkran (ie: stopping after dark) really think TAT (etc) should create a leaflet with information regarding this. BUT, that has nothing to do with people having a destructive and mean mentality... i have to disagree.. just because i think that you dont need to act like a total barbarian just because you are given a water pistol and bucket for the day.. Erm..just my opinion.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Just came back from a quiet night out. No issues, very dry. I also noticed the traffic was remarkably civilized, I was expecting a lot of crazy driving but most drivers almost seemed more careful than normal. (As was I).

In the Thapae / Loi Kroh area there were a couple Farangs who didn't really know when things end, but they were mostly playing between themselves. Of course it only takes one idiot with a bucket, but overall I didn't encounter anything untoward. And that's Thapae/Loi Kroh; if you go to a non-Farang area (i.e. just about everywhere) then you're virtually guaranteed a civilized experience.

[DaamNaam]

Probably because the world's biggest idiots all head to Thailand for what is actively promoted as the world's biggest water fight. <deleted> do you expect?

So people lose all sense of logic and consideration??

I can get that many farangs dont know about some polite rules of conduct regarding Songkran (ie: stopping after dark) really think TAT (etc) should create a leaflet with information regarding this. BUT, that has nothing to do with people having a destructive and mean mentality... i have to disagree.. just because i think that you dont need to act like a total barbarian just because you are given a water pistol and bucket for the day.. Erm..just my opinion.

It seems they come to have fun, but in reality they come to vent their frustration at being stuck on the merry-go-round of mundane existence of their home countries...Maybe.

Edited April 13, 2012 by DaamNaam

[hedonist44]

I had a great time, 4 hours of walking and playing round the moat, until I got to the farang section round tae pae gate/loi kroh... what a bunch of pis**d up ar**holes! Really, what a contrast....

Do you ever get the feeling that your wearing brown shoes and everyone else is wearing a tuxedo? I could put it more simply, but I would be banned.....

[lukeskywalker]

IMHO, bringing an expensive camera to the world's largest water gun fight is definitely not a good idea. Even if everyone was considerate, random water is flying everywhere. Why put your camera in jeopardy! Plus, I'm sure you've been here long enough to know that there are some inconsiderate a**holes who will aim for it on purpose!

[hellodolly]

why have an expensive camera when you are in Thailand walking around in Songkran , maybe its you who did not think.

Hmm sorry Thongkorn, i disagree. Surely people can have a bit of consideration. I actually dont understand the need for inconsiderate behaviour such as trying to wreck someones equipment, trying to squirt water in someones ear or eyes, or back streets where people are wearing regular clothes, obviously not participating in songkran (or in the evening when ppl are dressed for dinner). (The ice water does my head in as well to be honest, but thats just a personal grouch). Just dont get why people can enjoy an event, as crazy as it may be, without the need for pretty extreme behaviour. Like rabid dogs let of a leash or something...just dont get it.

This is not some hypothetical thing here. This is reality yes they can have a bit of consideration.

Now that we are done with the head games we will get back to reality. Farongs come here to party as well as throw water. The result is if some one does not properly protect there expensive camera it will probably get wet. Heck I even put my hearing aids in a plastic bag of course they cost a lot more than a camera but the point is I want them and I want them to be dry so I protect them. I don't put them in my ears and wander around in the middle of a water fight.

While we are talking about a little bit of consideration surely people could have some before they jump in their car and drive home all drunked up. Will they?

[Ulysses G.]

why have an expensive camera when you are in Thailand walking around in Songkran , maybe its you who did not think.

Exactly. The subject could just as easily read, ' what kind of moron brings a $2000 video camera out on songkran '.

There are definitely a number of "celebrants" that are just looking to annoy someone, but as someone who knows absolutely nothing at all about cameras, I would assume that no one would be crazy enough to bring one into a water fight unless it was waterproof. Maybe things are not as negative as they appear.

[AndersSN]

why have an expensive camera when you are in Thailand walking around in Songkran , maybe its you who did not think.

Exactly. The subject could just as easily read, ' what kind of moron brings a $2000 video camera out on songkran '.

There are definitely a number of "celebrants" that are just looking to annoy someone, but as someone who knows absolutely nothing at all about cameras, I would assume that no one would be crazy enough to bring one into a water fight unless it was waterproof. Maybe things are not as negative as they appear.

I brought my camcorder to Songrkan a couple of years back. It is not waterproof but it was protected as well as possible and it did survive the day unscathed. But my experience was very similar to the op. I was well aware that I was taking a risk bringing the cam because accidents do happen, but I was surprised by the willful attempts to by some to try and get water under the protective coat. I guess that these people like some of the posters here think that destruction of other people property is ok because it happens during a festival.

But that people are stupid and inconsiderate doesn't stop at video equipment.

I brought my daughter for the first time this year and we had a great time. I was a bit worried as she normally doesn't like getting her face wet when I was her hair, so I was ready to take her home straight away if she got scared. But she took it like a pro and have the feeling that washing her hair will post no further problems.

I did see one incident that made me upset though. As we were walking home hand in hand, down Loi Kroh, there was another father walking in front of us with his child on his arm. He was waving his hand at people trying to stop them from spraying water at his child. And from the looks of it having success as well. Until he passed a place full of foreigners. At least one of them, after he had passed and had his back turned, sprayed water straight into the face of the child. When I walked past the guy had walking into the bar and it looked like someone was going to get punched. Can't say I blame him.

And for those that will say: well, you shouldn't bring your small child to Songrkan. You are really arguing that Songran should only be for people with the stamina of a werwolf on steroids, the agility of an east German gymnast and the mindset of a British hooligan.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Yeah, I usually bring my kid for Songkran on at least one day, but am highly careful about the location.

Edited April 14, 2012 by WinnieTheKhwai

[msg362]

why have an expensive camera when you are in Thailand walking around in Songkran , maybe its you who did not think.

I'm taking video, it is allowed you know and it was in a specially designed rain cover, that's why the idiot didn't harm it. I did think. The point is Thais respect you, idiot farangs do not

[msg362]

why have an expensive camera when you are in Thailand walking around in Songkran , maybe its you who did not think.

Exactly. The subject could just as easily read, ' what kind of moron brings a $2000 video camera out on songkran '.

No it couldn.t, rad the earlier reply, it was in a specially designed rain proof cover , that is why there was no damage. Only the lens was exposed. And read my post, it was £ not $

Just came back from a quiet night out. No issues, very dry. I also noticed the traffic was remarkably civilized, I was expecting a lot of crazy driving but most drivers almost seemed more careful than normal. (As was I).

In the Thapae / Loi Kroh area there were a couple Farangs who didn't really know when things end, but they were mostly playing between themselves. Of course it only takes one idiot with a bucket, but overall I didn't encounter anything untoward. And that's Thapae/Loi Kroh; if you go to a non-Farang area (i.e. just about everywhere) then you're virtually guaranteed a civilized experience.

Agree, it was as we were walking back to get the car around Taphae. Loi Kro that this happened. Nearer Wat Pra Singh was fine.

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[msg362]

why have an expensive camera when you are in Thailand walking around in Songkran , maybe its you who did not think.

Exactly. The subject could just as easily read, ' what kind of moron brings a $2000 video camera out on songkran '.

There are definitely a number of "celebrants" that are just looking to annoy someone, but as someone who knows absolutely nothing at all about cameras, I would assume that no one would be crazy enough to bring one into a water fight unless it was waterproof. Maybe things are not as negative as they appear.

It was protected, see my later post

[msg362]

why have an expensive camera when you are in Thailand walking around in Songkran , maybe its you who did not think.

Exactly. The subject could just as easily read, ' what kind of moron brings a $2000 video camera out on songkran '.

Read my replies. It was protected in a specially designed cover. I was trying to put the camera into a bag when the idiot aimed at the lens. ( 3 times) He missed, the camera was fine and I now have some super video of the parade. You miss the point. Thais respect, lots of farangs show no consideration at all and are looked down upon by Thais ( and by me). As I said earlier, this occurred around Taphae Gate/ Loi Kroh as we were getting back to the car. ( Read again £ not $)

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Edited April 14, 2012 by msg362

[orang37]

Sawasdee Bee Mai, Khun MSG362,

What goes on in the head of a 20 year something farang grinning inanely and trying to ruin a £2000 video camera?.

I think the answer to this question seen through looking through the big lens on one end of the telescope through the small lens, on the other end, is: the brains of most 20-something farang males drawn here by the promise of water-saturnalia, cold beer, and hot women, is not completely in the heads of said farangs: most likely more than thirty percent of their brain is located between their legs, in the scrotal and testicular, and penile regions, and of the remaining 70% still in the head area, perhaps 50% of that is concentrated in the amygdala and limbic systems, the ancient "reptilian" parts of the brain associated with primitive emotions, dominance and hierarchy, fight-or-flight response, etc. In other words they are crude, violent young louts.

Discarding the telescope used in reverse, using a wide-angle lens: you see historical factors including:

You can thank the "Lanna Renaissance Group" of Chiang Mai literati: including the famous "Joan Baez" of northern Thailand, the singer Khun Suntaree, and the old aristocracy (like the Nimmanheiminda family, and Ajarn (Professor) Witte of Chiang Mai University), that got together in the 1960's to "re-invent" Chiang Mai's cultural heritage in modern form, that would appeal to world tourism, and, also, out of genuine desire to see the old culture preserved in the context of rapid modernization. Among their "inventions:" the "Khantoke Dinner." And Khun Suntaree's wonderful song "Widdacome," which I always thought was an ancient Cam Meung ballad of sorrow, until I found out that she and others in her circle wrote it, inspired by Peter, Paul, and Mary's "Puff the Magic Dragon."

But, most of all, thank the TAT, the Thai government group responsible for developing tourism, for, over the last twenty years, developing the "carnaval," or "mardi gras," aspect of this festival, with particular appeal via media, and to travel agents world-wide, to wild young western tourists to come and "go nuts" in water-fighting escalated to ever-newer levels via ever higher-power hydraulic systems. And, of course, to appeal to Thais, themselves.

But, Songkran, is an ancient solar festival, most likely of animist pre-Buddhism Thai origin, pre-migration from South China, and there is good evidence, from murals in ancient temples, etc., that this was not only a time of wild abandon, but, as well a time of gentle kneeling, by the young, in front of their elders, asking for forgiveness, and receiving forgiveness by the elders gently lustrating the younger with water.

There is evidence from a strongly preserved oral tradition (that Thai scholars will not write about out of embarrassment, but western Thai scholars, informed by the Thai scholars, do write about) Songkran had an "orgiastic" flavor, was a time in which Thai women could have the freedom to have sex with multiple partners by their own choice of partners. Such sexual aspect, of course, long ago suppressed. According to one scholar, this aspect still active as late in the 1930's in Nan province.

Too much of a stretch to hypothesize that ancient matrilineal, matricentric, cultural inheritance, with its "empowered women," and absence of anything like our western Judaeo-Christian sexual guilt, can still be seen in the height of Songkran traffic jams here in Chiang Mai where young women often enthusiastically rip their tops off, and expose their breasts, and dance enthusiastically ? Probably: Occam's Razor suggests a one-word answer: "hormones."

Well, while pick-up trucks loaded with 100 gallon water tanks of ice-cold filthy water (pumped from polluted canals) use pumps, and "Rambo-quality," water artillery. to create utter water-warfare mayhem, always to the ubiquitous playing (on some loudspeaker somewhere cranked up to ear-splitting volume) wild music of the festival time:

Be happy, for: if you survive without injury or death while riding your motosai, you have won a certain kind of lottery

best, ~o:37;

Edited April 14, 2012 by orang37

[expatmakmak]

Bloody stupid mak mak! If the camera was protected then why complain? Stupid! If the camera wasn't protected why were you walking around a bloody water fight with it? Stupid!

Farrangs will be farrangs. It's the farrangs with no common sense that I despair of. As an expat with over 700 posts on Thaivisa, you should know better!

[orang37]

In 8 years I have never been wet unwillingly. Will ogten go out in the middle of the day to the store, no porblem.

Are you using Pampers, or complete full-body custom-fitted vinyl suit, with rubber hip boot silicon-sealed to your legs at their upper rims ?

best, o:37;

Edited April 14, 2012 by orang37

[mallmagician]

Have to agree with the above. So you bought a 2000 pound (not dollar as you point out), and took it to songkran in a special waterproof case/housing. And some people aimed at the lens.... What's your point?? Believe it or not, you may not be the only person that can afford a nice camera, and others may be able to recognize waterproof casing for nice equipment. ... If I saw a camera all protected, I would aim for the lens too... It would make for a great shot, would it not??

As you go out of your way to explain, you have a specially designed cover, so I fail to see your point. What makes you think they were trying to ruin your camera? Perhaps your fear of losing your prize purchase caused you to believe the worst in people.... If so, you should leave it at home...

As for spraying water in the face, that's par for the course in that area, both Thai and farang do the same. At least the 7 years I have been in the city that is the case...

If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen....

[uptheos]

I guess that these people like some of the posters here think that destruction of other people property is ok because it happens during a festival.

Nah not really......they're up for mayhem and destruction any time any place! Just look at their record back in the home country.

[65Craig]

Let's face it, there are tons of idiots not just Farangs. Far too often, days and days before Songkran is even supposed to start, I see loads of "Thai" teenagers throwing buckets of ice water in the faces of unsuspected motorcycle drivers going 60-80 k/p/h. To me this is much worse than a guy bringing an expensive camera into an area full of drunks and not expecting his camera to get wet. I mean we are talking about possibly taking a life, versus maybe damaging property.

Anyway, I actually walked down to Loi Kroh before heading to Mad Dog for lunch, and sure there was a few idiots, but for the most part I thought it was mostly good clean fun. All it takes is one idiot (to shoot a little girl, camera, etc.) for some to quickly label ALL as idiots.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Anyway, I actually walked down to Loi Kroh before heading to Mad Dog for lunch, and sure there was a few idiots, but for the most part I thought it was mostly good clean fun. All it takes is one idiot (to shoot a little girl, camera, etc.) for some to quickly label ALL as idiots.

Yes, I really agree with that. Also you tend to notice the idiots (Farang or Thai) a lot more then the people who do behave, which is actually a very large majority.