Songkran and what it means to me

[n210mp]

Just got back from Songkran up in the village of Khaosuankwang mid way between Udon Thani and KK.

Grateful for a really quickish road trip of 10 hours against last years where we only got to Korat after 12 hours and had to have a room in a hotel for the night, we average less than 20 KPH but that was last year

I wasn't really fit to go this year after having my bike accident but because there were so many people to consider who were returning from all over the place including Australia I had to put my best face on things and make the effort.

Well the Surgeon was right when he said I shouldn't have have gone.

I arrived in the village with a high temp and aches and pains that made flu seem like the common cold, straight to bed with cold compresses and trying Wan to find a local Doctor

One of our neices is a nurse at the local hospital and when she saw me I was instantly bundled into a car and admitted with chronic chest infection and dehydration, two drips and and injections of antibiotics had me in the hospital for 3 days and and then returned to the family home to bed rest until I could drive back to Pattaya

Whilst I was in hospital I was never left alone for a moment, the staff knew my family and were very accommodating with the flexing of visitor hours, my wife wan who is the apple of my life had to be forcibly removed to go and have some rest and let the other sisters and brother take care of me, this they did with great love and devotion.

Because of the chest infection in the first two days I was having great difficulty breathing and with the leg acting up I couldnt do my own toiletry so I was at first a little embarrassed when my wife sister with no more further ado did what was needed showing me great respect and care and after washed and cleaned me.

This simple act on her part made me realise just how much my family mean to me and in fact brought us all closer than before .

I have always had an active part in the Songkran ceremony with the family and felt felt like I was accepted and part of the clan..

I may have mentioned many times before that I am indeed fortunate in having a Thai family who are both loving and respectful towards me.

Songkran 2015 will have a special place in my memory

[Costas2008]

OP, a very nice story to hear.

Consider yourself lucky to have such a nice family.

We hear all these stories on TVF, how farangs are mistreated by their wives and I believe it's about time to hear the other side of the story.

I consider also myself lucky for having such a nice wife and the only thing I regret is that I didn't meet her earlier in my life.

So do enjoy yourself with your family and be grateful........life is short, unfortunately.

I wish you a speedy recovery and all the Best in your and your family's life.

Costas

[MisterTee]

Thanks for the heartwarming story about how your wife and her family were there for you when you needed them.

Not to belittle your experience, but I would suggest that it is a common occurrence among those of us who have been here awhile and have Thai families.

[northernjohn]

When I was in the hospital I needed no help. Iregardless there was a family member there 24 hours a day. Even my two granddaughters for a while. At 8:00 when hospitals back home throw the visitors out they came in and asked my wife if she would like a pillow and a blanket. The Thais know how to take care of their family. I heard f one guy the family couldn't get to the hospital but they had a friend who could and did stay with him.

As to what Songkran means to me. It means time to stay in my room. I have enjoyed one here in Chiang Mai and one in a little village in Pichet. Both enjoyable especially the one in the small village. I was the only Farong and they dragged me

out into their pick up parade. The only one with water was a couple of kids with a barrel of it. I armed myself with a water pistol and limped up the street with it behind my back. Did the real cripple thing and being old they bought it and didn't know what to do until I brought my squirt gun out. Boy did I get wet.

[MrWorldwide]

<deleted>.

Perhaps you'd like to join me in Pattaya this morning - its 4:30am and the Thai karaoke joint across the road is still pumping out an abysmal choice of doof-doof at roughly 150dB, there are idiots down on Klang with speakers blaring on the back of pickup tracks and they were still squirting passing motorbike riders when I went past around 3am. I dont consider myself a wallflower - I've seen the sun come up from a barstool more times than I'd care to admit here - but there's absolutely no point when the Thais are in the grip of whatever this mania is. Songkran in Isaan sounds like absolute heaven compared to the completely ridiculous version of the festival we've got here, and I'm happy to report that I will indeed be avoiding it from this point forward. I accept this isn't the direction the OP wanted this thread to take so I'll leave it there.

[benalibina]

OP, consider yourself blessed that at an elderly age you feel how you do. Many on here, and or everywhere in the world, would like to be in your position. Keep up the good spirit.

[Gecko123]

It's nice to hear a story like yours, n210mp.

[Aussieroaming]

Great story about how great some thai family's are.

[colinneil]

OP good to hear you had family taking good care of you.

You take care my friend, maybe 1 day in the future we will meet, meanwhile my very best wishes .

[JLCrab]

Nice story about your family to be sure but, next time, listen to your doctor.

[HOOD Robin]

How could you be so foolish mate not listening to your doctor, only for this yearly MADNESS !?

[Docno]

<deleted>.

Perhaps you'd like to join me in Pattaya this morning - its 4:30am and the Thai karaoke joint across the road is still pumping out an abysmal choice of doof-doof at roughly 150dB, there are idiots down on Klang with speakers blaring on the back of pickup tracks and they were still squirting passing motorbike riders when I went past around 3am. I dont consider myself a wallflower - I've seen the sun come up from a barstool more times than I'd care to admit here - but there's absolutely no point when the Thais are in the grip of whatever this mania is. Songkran in Isaan sounds like absolute heaven compared to the completely ridiculous version of the festival we've got here, and I'm happy to report that I will indeed be avoiding it from this point forward. I accept this isn't the direction the OP wanted this thread to take so I'll leave it there.

Don't worry - you get the raucous version of Songkran up in Isaan also - I still enjoy it after 12 years. Keeps you young tossing water with the kids and seeing them having such a great time. A bit of loud music and some drunken dancing can also be fun once a year. That said, I also did enjoy the quiet traditional songkran blessing ceremony we did with grandma this year (though I would love to know what she was really mumbling as she gently poured water on my shoulder).

[carabou]

My Thai wife,passed on now to my loss. The same, total unconditional love. More than I deserve or have earnt I am sorry to say.

Good luck mate.

[n210mp]

How could you be so foolish mate not listening to your doctor, only for this yearly MADNESS !?

Thanks Robin

Thanks for posting what most TV members may well be thinking and for allowing me to explain perhaps another meaning of the interpretation of "Songkran"

Mama and Papa have witnessed their kids moving to all parts of the world and dont normally see them too much, not every Songkran for instance.

Now Mama and papa are getting older and are frail and its in the minds of all the family that they may not be around for too much longer.

With this generally held thought it was mutually decided to make an effort and gather all the family together this year.

So my part in all this was to be the chauffeur and pick the OZZie contingent up at Swampy and then deliver them safely to the village north of KK.

Because I also feel a very big commitment to play my part in the true Songkran ceremony of asking for mama and Papas blessing and taking part in the ritual of pouring a little bowl of water over their hands whilst receiving the blessing I would rather have faced hell and high water rather than disappoint Mum and Dad and the rest of the family.

Just as a matter of interest one of the Uncles not known for being over friendly came up to me and placed his arms around my shoulders and through Wan acting as interpreter paid me a very big compliment, something to do with making the effort when ill, I didn't get it all but his direct look in my eye said more than any words could and He actually gave me a hug.

The kids in the village like kids all over Thailand just love the water sloshing and its as much a part of the culture as is Waiing.

But this water splashing which the kids and other love so much is not in essence the point of Songkran, for me at least the point is going to see your parents and doing the rght thing.

The right thing in this case is demonstrated by thousands of Thai people returning to Isaan every year to pay their respects to their parents and to ask them for forgiveness for anything that may have upset the parents over the last year and also to get their parents Blessing for another year..

To summarise Songkran does have a meaning that is is not quite the same as its meaning in Pattaya

[smotherb]

Thanks for the heartwarming story about how your wife and her family were there for you when you needed them.

Not to belittle your experience, but I would suggest that it is a common occurrence among those of us who have been here awhile and have Thai families.

I am happy to hear that MisterTee, it seems so many farangs have nothing but bad to say about their Thai in-laws. I have no pity for someone who stays in a repressive relationship. I know, the old excuse, they are dependent on them and have no place else to go, or they love the little lady so and she would be upset. If you feel the need to complain, you need to feel the need to walk.

[mikecat]

Sorry to hear of your health problems and how they affected your Songkran. Great to hear the nice things you said about your family. Not often you hear nice things about Thais and family on this blog. I have a wonderful Thai wife from Issan and get really pissed when people on this site put all women and their families from Issan in the same catagorie.

Thanks for a nice account of your Songkran.

[gemguy]

I showered 3 times on every Songkran day....does that count as celebrating Songkran.

That way, I more or less Songkraned myself.

Cheers

[n210mp]

OP, consider yourself blessed that at an elderly age you feel how you do. Many on here, and or everywhere in the world, would like to be in your position. Keep up the good spirit.

You know benalbina up to me having this accident you would have thought I was at least minimally ten years younger than my age (70) not my opinion, the opinion of those who met me for the first time.

Those who know me know that I am really over 80, mentally that is.

Prior to the accident I was playing cheapo golf and walking not taking a cart, couldn't afford one, cycling up to 40/50K every other day and living the dream with a libido that was and still is Viagra unaided.

I kept my whisky intake to never more than 4 shots a night mixed with pepsi max on the basis that whisky being the only spirit that actually in moderation really does you some good physically.

I have done miracles in recovery from my broken leg (5 breaks) and to the Surgeons amazement have actually ridden the bike after two months and two days after the accident and am after 2 months and two weeks now walking ( unaided without the zimmer or crutches )

The wheelchair is now for sale being only used for less than two months

Last week I overdid it with the trip to KK and paid for it with 3 days in dock and a terrible chest infection.

This week I am on the mend again at super speed and will be on the bike next week regularly. (that is the plan)

Why am I telling you all this?

because you called me "elderly" in your otherwise great post.

Please take it back, I can handle accidents, I can handle disappointments, I can handle most things but I cannot handle being called "Elderly"

555555

[1FinickyOne]

Get well soon - and thanks for the uplifting story of Thai behavior - - i live upcountry and have had good health, but I see this all the time here - family stay in the hospital and take care - of each other and the farang family members too...

[arjunadawn]

This OP has very little to do with Songkran (per se)- good. What it does have to do with is a sorely needed story for us of love and recognition and appreciation. I am really happy to hear as your story progressed that you improved and others took care of you. I am even more pleased that as these events unfolded you realized, in real time, the joy you brought to others' lives and how important you are to others. Many people get sick. Many people get sick and get taken care of. Many people have kindness shown to them. Many people extend kindness to others. But many people do not present such a story in a way that has others actually feeling the graciousness of your heart and the devotion of those around you. I applaud both you and your wife, and those who stood by you. I have always believed love and beauty mean little standing independently like a curiosity to be explored and exploited. It is because you choose to see love, you choose to live love, you choose to love and that gave it such meaning. You describe a very warm and advanced heart. May your days be filled with health and much more love. Good for you. Always remember, if you want a better world, choose to see a better world. You apparently got that memo long ago! Thank you for this post.

Edited April 20, 2015 by arjunadawn

[MrWorldwide]

@docno, I'm pretty confident that most of the people making the noise in Pattaya were from Isaan - some of them live here, some live in Bangkok and I know several bargirls whose families made the trek down from the provinces just to be part of the action. Rednecks as far as the eye could see

[benalibina]

OP, consider yourself blessed that at an elderly age you feel how you do. Many on here, and or everywhere in the world, would like to be in your position. Keep up the good spirit.

You know benalbina up to me having this accident you would have thought I was at least minimally ten years younger than my age (70) not my opinion, the opinion of those who met me for the first time.

Those who know me know that I am really over 80, mentally that is.

Prior to the accident I was playing cheapo golf and walking not taking a cart, couldn't afford one, cycling up to 40/50K every other day and living the dream with a libido that was and still is Viagra unaided.

I kept my whisky intake to never more than 4 shots a night mixed with pepsi max on the basis that whisky being the only spirit that actually in moderation really does you some good physically.

I have done miracles in recovery from my broken leg (5 breaks) and to the Surgeons amazement have actually ridden the bike after two months and two days after the accident and am after 2 months and two weeks now walking ( unaided without the zimmer or crutches )

The wheelchair is now for sale being only used for less than two months

Last week I overdid it with the trip to KK and paid for it with 3 days in dock and a terrible chest infection.

This week I am on the mend again at super speed and will be on the bike next week regularly. (that is the plan)

Why am I telling you all this?

because you called me "elderly" in your otherwise great post.

Please take it back, I can handle accidents, I can handle disappointments, I can handle most things but I cannot handle being called "Elderly"

555555

Compassion rules.....my sincere apologies OP.

[JLCrab]

You are age 70 whether you look it or not. Your doctor said in your condition that you should not travel. I realize that you chose to disregard the doctors advice because all the family would be together for the extended holiday. They would have also been conveniently all together should things have turned for the worse and they needed to be all together for your funeral.

[n210mp]

Thanks JL

Crab by name and crabby by nature but I know you mean well and thank you for your genuine concern.

You actually have the same attitude as my Wan who also can give me a telling off whilst at the same time patting me on my head

I dont mind the being 70 bit , its the perception of being elderly which is an entirely different concept, I know people in their 50s who are elderly and know people in their 80s who are far from elderly

As far as going against Doctors orders, well sometimes a man has to do what a man has to do and I dont apologise for that, funeral or no funeral

Finally have you ever done the wrong thing, opened the wrong door and then because of doing the wrong thing actually benefited by your mistake?

I have many times, made the wrong decision, opted for the wrong choice and then lo and behold benefited by the error

But I do take your good and sensible advice on board and will carefully consider my actions in the future

Thank you once again JL

Edited April 21, 2015 by n210mp

[JLCrab]

That you have a compassionate family is genuinely nice but my greater concern is that others in a similar age bracket, as we both are, give greater heed to a doctor's recommendation when dealing with potentially life-threatening issues.

[n210mp]

That you have a compassionate family is genuinely nice but my greater concern is that others in a similar age bracket, as we both are, give greater heed to a doctor's recommendation when dealing with potentially life-threatening issues.

I Hope that my previous posts don't give the wrong impression

The Doctor's advice was related to placing added weight on my injured leg, being cramped up in the driving position for hours etc and nothing to do with any life threatening condition. He basically didn't want to see his excellent handiwork ruined by my over eagerness to get back to my normal too quickly and though quite rightly that with the unknowns of journey time it may have been just too much

[uptheos]

Why believe a surgeon when he tells you not to go?...........absolutely foolish!

[neeray]

OMG ..... What a great story of a memorable occasion. And OMG again, not one TVF member found the need to bash a single Thai, man or woman, or persons from the Northeast. Thanks for the wonderful relating of events OP. Enjoy your next 30 years of youth in good health.

I too, at 66, am blessed with good health like you and a quick repair body. And like you, I have an extended Thai family who embrace me like one of their own. All the best on your recovery.

[JLCrab]

That you have a compassionate family is genuinely nice but my greater concern is that others in a similar age bracket, as we both are, give greater heed to a doctor's recommendation when dealing with potentially life-threatening issues.

I Hope that my previous posts don't give the wrong impression

The Doctor's advice was related to placing added weight on my injured leg, being cramped up in the driving position for hours etc and nothing to do with any life threatening condition. He basically didn't want to see his excellent handiwork ruined by my over eagerness to get back to my normal too quickly and though quite rightly that with the unknowns of journey time it may have been just too much

You ended up 3 days inpatient in a hospital with a chest infection which could have become pneumonia because at least in part you traveled in a weakened condition.

[n210mp]

That you have a compassionate family is genuinely nice but my greater concern is that others in a similar age bracket, as we both are, give greater heed to a doctor's recommendation when dealing with potentially life-threatening issues.

I Hope that my previous posts don't give the wrong impression

The Doctor's advice was related to placing added weight on my injured leg, being cramped up in the driving position for hours etc and nothing to do with any life threatening condition. He basically didn't want to see his excellent handiwork ruined by my over eagerness to get back to my normal too quickly and though quite rightly that with the unknowns of journey time it may have been just too much

You ended up 3 days inpatient in a hospital with a chest infection which could have become pneumonia because at least in part you traveled in a weakened condition.

JL you are 100% right and I am 100% in the wrong.

Your logic is Spock like but Spock Oops sorry I mean JL sometimes logic whilst logical isn't necessarily the right course of action for the circumatnce

However given the same circumstance I would do it all over again and again and again and again.

Guess there is no hope for a recalcitrant youth like me other than to accept the consequences of my actions