SongKran 2016

[WinnieTheKhwai]

^ You live in Pattaya.

So I have some understanding for your point of view.

[northernjohn]

To get a start on tips, I wrote the below specifically with children in mind, but most of it applies in general as well. Then later I'll add some comments of a more strategic & tactical nature when it comes to water battles.

A Parent's Guide to Songkran

The Thai New Year festivities will soon be upon us once again, which plenty partying, watery fun and general merriment to be had for all.

Kids especially enjoy the water festival, but for responsible parents there are definitely several do's and don'ts about the festival when it comes to kids joining in.

With 18 Songkrans under my belt and as a parent of two young children, I would like to make some recommendations for a fun and safe Songkran celebration.

Locations

Many locations are not safe or appropriate for young kids.

· Avoid locations close to fast moving or heavy traffic. It's too easy to stray on to the road and be too close to traffic. Don't play water along highways in and out of town.

· The city moat is a prime location for the festivities, and for large sections of the moat the traffic moves slow enough. Keep in mind that the moat itself is VERY deep. If kids aren't excellent swimmers, they should not be on the side where the water is. As there are many people running and playing there, and as the pavement will get slippery from the water, it becomes too easy to fall into the moat. And even if they are excellent swimmers, you still don't want them to panic; keep in mind that in most places it's difficult to get out again, they would need help getting back on shore.

· Don't pick a location near raunchy bars, especially not where there are many adult Western (and Thai) men drinking and partying. Kids can get run into, and drinking sometimes leads to trouble

With the above in mind, if you play along the moat at all, then for example the stretch North of Thapae Gate on the side of the Amora hotel is suitable: traffic moves slowly there approaching the Thapae Gate bottle neck, and it's (just) far enough away from the Farang bar area. Thapae Road also moves slowly. Also consider some of the smaller sois, but make sure there is enough space on the side, and good visibility of any traffic through the soi.

Picking a location in front of a restaurant or hotel/guesthouse is good, often these places have some people celebrating in front already, and the place likely provides clean tap water to use. And it's nice to be able to order some food and drink, use the washroom, etc.

Precautions

· Tell kids where they can go, and where they cannot go. They should never get on to the road or soi itself. If they drop a bucket or water gun there by accident, they should call you or another adult to retrieve it.

· No running. It can get VERY slippery, and it's easy to fall and get hurt. Open wounds can easily get infected, so any cut = Game Over.

· Try to keep your mouth shut. Even though you try to pick a place that provides tap water, it's very likely to also get hit with water straight from the moat.

· Use Sunblock! Would be better to be in a shaded place, but when out in the sun it is VERY easy to get severe sun burns. Use a water-proof sun block and re-apply as needed. Don't forget any spots, ears, feet, etc. Using long sleeves and long pants or skirts is also a good idea.

· After-party health check: Bathe kids thoroughly afterwards and put on clean, dry clothes. Be aware of common ailments such as irritated eyes, ear infections, upset stomach, sunburn, cuts and scratches.

Instructions for the kids..

· No spraying on things that shouldn't get wet. (Point these out, if any)

· NO SPRAYING AT MOTORCYCLES unless they've stopped and are clearly participating. This goes for adults too, but no harm in teaching this early. It's too easy for motorbike riders to get into a fall or accident when they try to avoid getting wet. Even just pretending/threatening to spray water distracts their attention from traffic. So just don't. Yes, other people do it. But we don't.

· NO SPRAYING AT people who clearly indicate they don't want to partake, or who have items with them that shouldn’t get wet. (Including food sellers, etc.) Yes, other people do it. But we don't.

Others

Kids can get cold quickly when wet. Make sure you can either get back home quickly, or that you carry dry clothes and a towel so kids can get dry, rest a bit and have some food/drink in a nearby restaurant, hotel or guesthouse.

Riding in the back of a pick-up truck is dangerous. If kids are old enough to join a truck, they should NEVER stand up while in the vehicle. They should sit down all the time. You don't want kids falling out of trucks.

This should go without saying, but when driving kids in and out of town, make sure the driver doesn't drink and drives responsibly. After dark it's best not to be on (or near) the road at all, as there are many drunk drivers.

Finally

If this is your first Songkran, go test the waters (heh) yourself first before bringing the whole family. No matter what you've heard, you can't possibly be prepared for complete mayhem and mass party all around. This will also allow you to pick a good spot to take the kids.

Know that in addition to the crazy party, Songkran is also a religious and cultural festival, with many events organized around town, and with many people visiting temples. It's well worth catching some of these; all of these activities are kids-safe; they mostly happen in the mornings before the masses start the party.

Decide if you want to take your kid into town at all. An alternative Songkran party would be to get together with other parents and kids in a garden setting somewhere and let the kids go at it amongst themselves. Safe, clean and much less stressful for the parents. If some or all of the above has raised concern: GOOD! This is in no way a recommendation to let kids participate in Songkran in any way; make your own informed decision if, where and how to celebrate Songkran.

!!! Happy New Year -- Sawatdee Pee Mai !!!

All good points Winnie. How ever one

" NO SPRAYING AT people who clearly indicate they don't want to partake, or who have items with them that shouldn’t get wet. (Including food sellers, etc.) Yes, other people do it. But we don't.'

On that one I have found several times when I was not in the any thing goes area I have simply held my hand out and they have poured a little water on it.

[true blue]

propally years ago it was a nice festival, Enjoyed by the thai community, Now its become a dangerous event overtaken by brawling drunken farangs,with one object to try and abuse all and sundry with there over the top unruly behaviour,

[Jeffkp]

I found the most fun was in renting a tuk tuk with the roof removed (especially if there are two of you).The drivers usually have a barrel of water in it to replenish your ammunition. If you're feeling especially sadistic, get them to put ice in it!

I've found that one day is enough for me. Make sure you have your phone, camera, etc in water proof bags.

Look for the small trucks with a Thai family; with smaller kids in the back. They have the most fun!

Two years was enough for me. Now I stay home, but I don't hate it.

Many older Thais don't approve of the water pistols, etc. Remember, this is a serious religious festival, not Mardi Gras!

[off road pat]

Bali is quite nice at Sonkran time. Hoi An, Dalat, Lake Toba and Ankor Wat are good too.

Luang Pra bang is great toooo.....

[sawadee1947]

I am guessing renting a scooter is a death wish during those days

if you want to die soon......do it!

[Rob8891]

Bali is quite nice at Sonkran time. Hoi An, Dalat, Lake Toba and Ankor Wat are good too.

Luang Pra bang is great toooo.....

HAH! We escaped Songkran in CM two years ago and went to Luang Phrabang instead....Not wise. They like to stick their fingers up an exhaust pipe (vehicular, that is) and then smear each other with soot. We nearly got caught in that, and it's a beggar to clean off.

Lots of good advice in some of the posts. I'd say the four most important ones you've been given are

• keep anything you value in really good waterproof bags
• keep a careful eye on your belongings; don't take anything with you that you're not prepared to lose
• wear lots of sunblock
• keep your mouth closed. Three years ago, one very well-known TVF clown couldn't keep his shut (as usual) and ingested heaven knows how much water (some from the moat). He spent 5 days whining in bed and sh**ting through the eye of a needle.

Enjoy yourself safely: there are a lot of people who get carried away (some quite literally!)

[roo860]

(Also the municipality treats the moat water in the run up to the festival, running more water through and chlorinating it. That makes it still not as good as sea water, but pretty much okay.)

Unless you get it in your mouth, eyes, or ears!

Its minging!!!!

Edited February 26, 2016 by roo860

[Rainville]

Bali is quite nice at Sonkran time. Hoi An, Dalat, Lake Toba and Ankor Wat are good too.

Luang Pra bang is great toooo.....

HAH! We escaped Songkran in CM two years ago and went to Luang Phrabang instead....Not wise. They like to stick their fingers up an exhaust pipe (vehicular, that is) and then smear each other with soot. We nearly got caught in that, and it's a beggar to clean off.

Lots of good advice in some of the posts. I'd say the four most important ones you've been given are

• keep anything you value in really good waterproof bags
• keep a careful eye on your belongings; don't take anything with you that you're not prepared to lose
• wear lots of sunblock
• keep your mouth closed. Three years ago, one very well-known TVF clown couldn't keep his shut (as usual) and ingested heaven knows how much water (some from the moat). He spent 5 days whining in bed and sh**ting through the eye of a needle.

Enjoy yourself safely: there are a lot of people who get carried away (some quite literally!)

Yep everything is well noted. Lot's of great advices and I'm greatful for that.

At the end of it, we're 3 mid 20s guys who look forward to the mayhem and want to have fun. But that does not mean being disrespectful to the local traditions nor spending a week sick in bed.

So keeping the water out (literally) of everything will be the main goal for sure .

thanks for all the help !!

[Rainville]

Bali is quite nice at Sonkran time. Hoi An, Dalat, Lake Toba and Ankor Wat are good too.

Luang Pra bang is great toooo.....

We'll be heading to LP right after Chiang Mai, from the 18th although Songkran will be over by then.

It's the low water season tho, a bit of a shame for kayaking & waterfalls.

[NancyL]

During Songkran the real madness usually doesn't start until 11 am or noon, so it's possible to slip out in the early morning to stock up on food. I use the time to work on our U.S. income taxes. No sense filing early! The due date is April 15.

Actually, it's kind of fun to be stuck working in the condo and listen to the traffic outside driving slowly around the building, with people on the sidewalk throwing water on the folks in the back of the pick-up trucks. When a bucket of ice-water hits, they make the same screaming sound that people make on a roller coast at an amusement park.

Used to have rock concerts crank up outside Kad Suan Kaew mall in the late afternoon and into the evening. It wasn't much fun to listen to the thump-thump-thump of the bass from my condo, but last year the concert stage moved down to Maya Mall and things were pretty quiet around Kad Suan Kaew. No longer the hip place, I guess.

A year or two ago there was rain and cool temps. Kind of like the weather today. Put a real damper on the celebration.

The quality of the water is much safer along Huey Kaew, Thapae and Loi Kroh Roads. A week or so before Songkran, the city installs temporary water taps with municipal water. Good idea to stay away from the moat where you'll be doused with nasty moat water. Yuck.

[Dap]

Yep, you could put your phone and smokes in a ziploc bag inside a decompression chamber and somehow they will still get soaked!

It is madness.

Too true! My water resistant watch that (often) served me well

during years of snorkeling, ended up with water under the crystal

after it's initial Songkran

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Yep, you could put your phone and smokes in a ziploc bag inside a decompression chamber and somehow they will still get soaked!

It is madness.

Too true! My water resistant watch that (often) served me well

during years of snorkeling, ended up with water under the crystal

after it's initial Songkran

Yes, I ruined a water resistant camera once. What it comes down to for equipment is that 'water resistant' doesn't cut it. You need things that are rated for underwater (diving) use, it really does get that wet. GoPro cameras are great too.

As for money.. I don't really bother keeping smaller bills dry; money can get wet just fine, it's not like the ink suddenly runs off. If anything I don't even try to keep a stack of 100 baht bills dry, because every time you open your ziplock bag (or other dry bag) water will get in anyway.

So I think the best approach is to leave anything that really shouldn't get destroyed at home or in a car somewhere. This includes expensive phones, documents of any kind, etc. And then I just wear a cheap dive watch.

[bazza40]

Avoidance strategies:

Shop at the 7/11 after 9 pm.

Travel in a car with closed windows.

Eat at home. Stock up on essentials beforehand.

Suicide to be on a motorbike anytime during Songkhran. Don't know the stats; however, motorcycle deaths and injuries increase significantly.

It's fun the first couple of times, after that the idiots make it tiresome. Not as bad as Pattaya, where they also throw flour.

I'll be in Vietnam, happily.

[mcfish]

Remember when getting drenched to keep your mouth shut!

Sent from my SC-01D using Tapatalk

[Rainville]

Remember when getting drenched to keep your mouth shut!

Sent from my SC-01D using Tapatalk

I keep hearing this warning about having water in your mouth. I mean is it THAT bad? If I get some am I sure to be slowly dying for the next 72h?

What about those facemask we use in Asia against polution? could this be useful ?

[NancyL]

A pollution facemask will be of no use. A snorkeling one maybe. Yes, the water-throwing is THAT bad and the water is THAT nasty. The docs at Suan Dok clear out the ortho wards prior to Songkran to make room for the injuries, mostly from people on motorscooters falling when hit with buckets of water. A week or two after Songkran, the docs at Suan Dok stand ready to treat all the infectious diseases that people pick up from contaminated water. There's some really nasty things that enter your wee-wee if you swim in the moat.

[Rainville]

A pollution facemask will be of no use. A snorkeling one maybe. Yes, the water-throwing is THAT bad and the water is THAT nasty. The docs at Suan Dok clear out the ortho wards prior to Songkran to make room for the injuries, mostly from people on motorscooters falling when hit with buckets of water. A week or two after Songkran, the docs at Suan Dok stand ready to treat all the infectious diseases that people pick up from contaminated water. There's some really nasty things that enter your wee-wee if you swim in the moat.

Well that's Wonderful

[roo860]

A pollution facemask will be of no use. A snorkeling one maybe. Yes, the water-throwing is THAT bad and the water is THAT nasty. The docs at Suan Dok clear out the ortho wards prior to Songkran to make room for the injuries, mostly from people on motorscooters falling when hit with buckets of water. A week or two after Songkran, the docs at Suan Dok stand ready to treat all the infectious diseases that people pick up from contaminated water. There's some really nasty things that enter your wee-wee if you swim in the moat.

Wear a condom.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Wear a condom.

Yah.. Ain't that the truth.. Kind of the most common/likely ailment you'll run into.

[northernjohn]

propally years ago it was a nice festival, Enjoyed by the thai community, Now its become a dangerous event overtaken by brawling drunken farangs,with one object to try and abuse all and sundry with there over the top unruly behaviour,

I went through two years of it here. One in the cab of a truck with kids in the back and a pool full of water also they had high power water guns. We all enjoyed it. Me because I stayed dry and the kids because they were rite in the battle. No one got sick. One year I got wet. I had nothing but I would grab a pot of water from some one and pour it on them.

The best one was in a little town in Pichet. A couple of ladies rubbed some stuff on my face. The only water I saw on the street was two kids with a barrel full. I sat around and decided to get involved. Now I am ion the old side I think about 70 then. I grabbed one of the kids water pistol a small one and started up the road holding it behind my back. I bent over and was limping along, The poor kids didn't know what to do until I stood up and started firing on them. Boy did I ever lose that one. Two kids with a barrel full of water and two pots against me and a little water pistol. It was fun they also had a pick up parade and dragged me into it.

I no longer partake but I am a big believer in them. Just because I am getting older is not a reason to dislike them. They are part of Thailand. Just like the Queen is part of England. I just might get into it again this year my boy will be here and he has been through it before. He is young 50 and looking forward to it.

[Tywais]

It's cancelled this year, emergency drought measures issued by local government.

I read this in the Thsi news yesterday. Only sprinkling of water, none of the waterfights.

There may be an exception for Chiang Mai given the tourist aspect and most of the water coming out of the moat, but if there is the report I read didn't mention it.

Looks like it will be normal activity - Songkran Will Go On Despite Drought: Tourism Authority

[true blue]

propally years ago it was a nice festival, Enjoyed by the thai community, Now its become a dangerous event overtaken by brawling drunken farangs,with one object to try and abuse all and sundry with there over the top unruly behaviour,

I went through two years of it here. One in the cab of a truck with kids in the back and a pool full of water also they had high power water guns. We all enjoyed it. Me because I stayed dry and the kids because they were rite in the battle. No one got sick. One year I got wet. I had nothing but I would grab a pot of water from some one and pour it on them.

The best one was in a little town in Pichet. A couple of ladies rubbed some stuff on my face. The only water I saw on the street was two kids with a barrel full. I sat around and decided to get involved. Now I am ion the old side I think about 70 then. I grabbed one of the kids water pistol a small one and started up the road holding it behind my back. I bent over and was limping along, The poor kids didn't know what to do until I stood up and started firing on them. Boy did I ever lose that one. Two kids with a barrel full of water and two pots against me and a little water pistol. It was fun they also had a pick up parade and dragged me into it.

I no longer partake but I am a big believer in them. Just because I am getting older is not a reason to dislike them. They are part of Thailand. Just like the Queen is part of England. I just might get into it again this year my boy will be here and he has been through it before. He is young 50 and looking forward to it.

bet you belive in the yellow brick road as well.

[northernjohn]

propally years ago it was a nice festival, Enjoyed by the thai community, Now its become a dangerous event overtaken by brawling drunken farangs,with one object to try and abuse all and sundry with there over the top unruly behaviour,

I went through two years of it here. One in the cab of a truck with kids in the back and a pool full of water also they had high power water guns. We all enjoyed it. Me because I stayed dry and the kids because they were rite in the battle. No one got sick. One year I got wet. I had nothing but I would grab a pot of water from some one and pour it on them.

The best one was in a little town in Pichet. A couple of ladies rubbed some stuff on my face. The only water I saw on the street was two kids with a barrel full. I sat around and decided to get involved. Now I am ion the old side I think about 70 then. I grabbed one of the kids water pistol a small one and started up the road holding it behind my back. I bent over and was limping along, The poor kids didn't know what to do until I stood up and started firing on them. Boy did I ever lose that one. Two kids with a barrel full of water and two pots against me and a little water pistol. It was fun they also had a pick up parade and dragged me into it.

I no longer partake but I am a big believer in them. Just because I am getting older is not a reason to dislike them. They are part of Thailand. Just like the Queen is part of England. I just might get into it again this year my boy will be here and he has been through it before. He is young 50 and looking forward to it.

bet you belive in the yellow brick road as well.

Now how did I know you were going to defend your opinion.

I don't feel the need to defend my feelings why do you?

No I don't believe in the Yellow Brick road bit I loved the movie the Wizard of Oz and have lost my DVD of it.

Edited February 27, 2016 by northernjohn

[arunsakda]

Fortunately the retina ripping large PVC pipes and whatnot largely banned but I wear eye protection. I still enjoy it every few years but wish it was shorter. It basically blows the whole week (good luck getting anything productive done). There is no limit and every year it seems to get worse where years ago one could safely go out after dark. Had an experience where we had a reservation (at Giorgio's I think) and went home to change venturing out after dark. Got soaked in Tuk-Tuk on the way there and had to spend an uncomfortable dinner wet in freezing AC. Everything gets wet, the moat water is foul and sickens some people. Ice water most of the time! The parades and and temple fairs are great but what once was a spiritual event of extreme cultural significance has degenerated into drunken mayhem. In my estimation largely due to alien influences.

The worst behaviour usually demonstrated by Frangs. For example...

• Some dork in front of a restaurant who kept spraying me in the face decided to try and open a Thai couple's car door to attack. Husband came out and screamed at him, though he "Jai yen Jai yen" 'ed his way out of a thrashing.
• One year on last day of Songkhran well after dark (like 9:30PM) drunk foreigners marauded like Pirates and boarded Songthaews in front of THC Rooftop bar and bucket-soaked entire truckloads of dry people.
• Jerks who go out of their way to soak elderly western tourists who clearly don't want it and were begging them to leave them alone.

If one could somehow get out of town the roads are highways of death and every year Chiang Mai province has a high bodycount. Riding a bike you are going to encounter sudden deep puddles and loss of traction whilst simultaneously people shoot water at your head. Pray someone does not have a sudden emergency and need an ambulance as the city is completely gridlocked most of the day. No place in the city is safe and unless you hunker down inside you get wet. Otherwise it would be a good time to rent a bungalow way out in the countryside/resort somewhere and relax, or maybe fly to Singapore.

Edited February 28, 2016 by arunsakda