Thais usher in New Year with prayers, travel and shopping

By The Sunday Nation

 

LARGE numbers of Thais saw in the New Year by participating in cross-year prayers at Sanam Luang in Bangkok, travelling to national and historical parks, or shopping malls and temples nationwide.

 

The celebration to bring Thais together to make merit and receive a blessing before the start of the new year was given more importance this time because of the passing of the country’s much-loved monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, just over two months ago.

 

Full story:  http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30303247

 

 

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-01-01

Strange, I have see a lot of them getting pretty hammered, last night...

 

39 minutes ago, DM07 said:

Strange, I have see a lot of them getting pretty hammered, last night...

 

 

Around Central World there was only music and a little bit food for sale...no alcohol.

in a recent Dusit Poll, only 11.34562745 per cent said they preferred fireworks and alcohol....the rest said they wanted to join the monkhood for 12 hours. The women were not asked about their opinion.....

Just been to the local temple with my missus. Packed out with people it was. We bought an orange bucket full of bits and bobs and gave it to a monk who then prayed for 10 minutes.

Then we rubbed gold leaf on Buddha statues and lit josh sticks and candles. After that I had a go at the shake the sticks with numbers on game. Lucky number 26 popped out and the paper to go with the number said I shall find new love and not to worry about my health.

Then we bought a bag of eels and toads and released them into the river. Then it was time for the main event. Feeding cucumbers to the many turtles they have in a pond at the temple.

Great day out! I feel totally rejuvinated, like going to confession at church. Of course the day out wasn't free every part of the temple process or wheel of people, cost 100 baht. You can't pray for free. Still the wife's happy now, she's gone off to buy some lottery tickets.

 

much drinking and singing and even some fireworks in my area - starting at 10 minutes to midnight as per usual. i guess they didnt get the memo...