Pedestrians, motorcyclists and pick-up trucks were subjected to soakings with revellers using waterguns, hoses and buckets to deliver their liquid greetings. Waterfights were the norm today in all the favourite Thai locations including the old city moat in Chiang Mai and Khaosan Road in Bangkok.
In Pattani City and close to the Thai-Myanmar border at Singkhon authorities set up spray tunnels to cool off revellers and also those giving alms to monks. Songkran celebrates the Lanna Thai New Year and its famous water battles evolved from an age-old tradition of pouring water on the hands of elders and statues of Buddha as a sign of respect.
Nowadays, the chance of enjoying a soaking when the thermometer is showing 40°C, plus a minimum three-day public holiday, entices Thais to travel. What seems like the whole country on the move means tickets for travel on buses and trains are scarce. To avoid disappointment it is better to make your reservations with 12GO ASIA.
Songkran waterfights in Thailand go ahead despite severe drought
News in Asia
Pitched waterfights across Thailand marked the start of the annual Songkran Festival yesterday. Media sources say the waterfights were toned down when compared to previous years due to the ongoing drought affecting Mekong River nations in Southeast Asia.