Songkran - Silom Area

[ABCinSG]

Hi everyone, I've been visiting Bangkok numerous times, both for work and play, and I have always avoided coming here during Songkran. But this post is not about that, quite the contrary, it's about me diving in for the first time with a special someone, and I would appreciate any help I can get.

Getting there

I'm quite sure taking a taxi to Silom is a silly idea, even if a taxi driver is willing to entertain me. So the BTS is my only option. Will the trains be packed on that day? When I'm there what should I expect? I can't quite grasp the sheer volume of people at this time, am I looking at streets so packed with people that getting through means squeezing against bodies wet with sweat and water of unknown origins? Are there any good landmarks to meet up at?

Preparation

I've already made a note to take my backpack with a liter of fresh water and a spare change of clothes all in ziplock bags/tightly-tied plastic bags. I understand pick-pocketing is an issue, and I'm starting to wonder if putting it in my bag is safer.

What will happen?

Other then getting drenched and powdered, is there anything else to look out for/see/do?

[impulse]

Quit worrying.

It will be like every other day, with the possibility someone may throw some water on you. Pick pockets won't be any worse, and you can decide how many wet bodies you rub up against. I generally go for...none.

Traffic may even be lighter since everyone and their dog has gotten out of dodge. BTS/MRT stations make great meeting places, as do the Starbucks on every block.

[thaihome]

Take BTS to Saladaeng. Take the stairs down to street right next to O'Reilly's and go inside. You may very well make it inside without getting too wet. Depends on who is on guard outside on the patio ?.

The mass of wet bodies happens down towards the Patpong sois so you can choose to participate in that or a much milder version based at O'Reily's and Soi Taniya.

TH

[ABCinSG]

Hi everyone, thanks for your suggestions! I had a pretty good (and of course wet) time at Silom! Here are some things I learnt on my first trip:

- While landmarks are abound in SIlom, it is still better to meet up with friends before heading there.

- Speaking of which, going alone is probably going to be a miserable, and wet, experience. Unless you are there to document the activities or take pictures.

- If you do, two safe locations I found are at the overpass from Sala Daeng BTS to Silom MRT and Silom Complex. You can get some great shots from above, and just outside the main door of SIlom Complex.

- Acquire your "weapon" before heading there, or expect to pay around 8-10 USD for a Super Soaker knockoff that does the job, but pales in comparison to a real Super Soaker.

- If getting shoved and rubbed against by sweaty and wet assorted body types of assorted genders is your thing, then stick around in the BTS.

- A stoic face with a purposeful stride got me to my meet-up location, near O'Briens at Taniya, pretty safe.

- A water-resistent backpack keeps your back and important essentials that need to stay dry, dry. Just throw it aside when someone comes with a bucket.

- Bringing extra clothes is unnecessary.

Now for the fun part:

- Aim for the chest, gets them soaking wet.

- Do not aim at denim material, cause that's like shooting at a raincoat.

- Aiming at the face is a quick way to stop a 'bullys' constant barrage of water at you.

- Iced clean water for maximum effect!

- I have now learnt that the R&D in Super Soaker did make strides in water stream projection.

- Taniya is a great spot to soak and get soaked, and not as crazy as the main Silom stretch. Moderate fun especially for those who have their years catching up on them.

While this year's Songkran might not be like previous years due to political issues, I still think that it's certainly something to experience with a group of friends. Just don't be that guy, who takes any chance to grope girls. Had to shoot some guy in the eye to get his flailing hands away from my girlfriend's chest.

[HooHaa]

wow, is it really that difficult to go out and have fun?

[thonglorjimmy]

Now for the fun part:

- Aim for the chest, gets them soaking wet.

- Do not aim at denim material, cause that's like shooting at a raincoat.

- Aiming at the face is a quick way to stop a 'bullys' constant barrage of water at you.

- Iced clean water for maximum effect!

- I have now learnt that the R&D in Super Soaker did make strides in water stream projection.

- Taniya is a great spot to soak and get soaked, and not as crazy as the main Silom stretch. Moderate fun especially for those who have their years catching up on them.

Everyone has a different idea of "fun" but to me ensuring people get soaking wet and compound it by using iced water "for maximum effect" really isn't my idea of fun.

You mention aiming at the face is a quick way to stop a bully's constant barrage at you, I do wonder who is the bully here - do you know how dangerous that can be?

Anyway each to their own, I'm really happy that you found something that keeps you happy.

Thanks for your in depth report, enjoy the rest of the festival.

[impulse]

I must say, it's different this year. To be fair, I've spent my time in and around Lumpini Park, which isn't in the thick of the Silom celebrations, but still pretty festive.

Every person who has squirted me asked my permission before they did, and every one was a polite, friendly squirt that didn't seem to have any malicious intent. I'm actually enjoying Songkran this year.

I hope I didn't just jinx it...

[meom]

I'm in DinDaeng and it's chaos here with all youths out en masse on their souped up motor bikes.

Still fun though until the yaba wears off and people start shooting eachother.