Gentle start to Songkran in Phuket – though not for long

[Lite Beer]

Gentle start to Songkran in Phuket – though not for long
Suthicha Sirirat

Monks receive alms at Saphan Hin.

PHUKET: Songkran Day 2014 started gently – in Phuket Town at least – with a traditional ceremony of pouring scented water over others’ hands, donating alms to monks, releasing birds and fish, and washing Buddha images.

The early-morning mass ceremony, at Saphan Hin, was organised by Phuket City Municipality, whose Mayor, Somjai Suwannasupapana, explained, “Our aim is to preserve the traditions of the Thai people and to ensure they are handed down to succeeding generations, and as a way of preserving peace in the country.”

Dressed in their finest silks, the great and good of Phuket, with Governor Maitri Inthusut to the fore, joined in the cheerful occasion.

Elsewhere, most people just couldn’t wait to get out the water pistols, super-soakers and fire hoses. Almost every soi on the island has its crew of youngsters ready to “sprinkle” water on the hands of passers-by, and on their heads and bodies.

In Patong, epicentre of fun, the bacchanal had already started yesterday with thousands of foreigners in swimsuits out to give the locals a good soaking, and vice-versa.

The authorities have earmarked six points around the island for full-on water battles. They are Soi Bangla in Patong, Karon Park, Kamala Park, Nai Yang Beach and the road along Surin Beach.

And, of course, Saphan Hin – though only after the worthies have left.

The Phuket News wishes all its readers a Very Happy Songkran and a healthy and happy New Year.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/gentle-start-to-songkran-in-phuket-though-not-for-long-45667.php

-- Phuket News 2014-04-13

[LivinginKata]

Was not so quiet at the south end of Nanai Rd early this morning when I tried to miss the water throwing by going out at 08.00. There is a Thai night club there and looked like all the drunks from the night before into that morning had decided to start blocking the road and dowse passers-by. They had set up some cones on the road. I dodged round the cones and one highly inebriated man dancing in the middle of the road. He hurled a good deal of abuse at me for not stopping.

[tingtong]

"And, of course, Saphan Hin – though only after the worthies have left."

Love the wording. Can only hope that all live up to it!

Edited April 13, 2014 by tingtong

[soalbundy]

God how i hate this holiday.