Once again in Pattaya and Naklua, residents and tourists alike celebrated Songkran with gusto.

Naklua was first to begin the water play, celebrating Songkran a day before Pattaya on April 18. The day in Naklua started out calmly, with the annual “Tak Bat” ceremony, when residents presented alms to Buddhist monks at the Phothisarn Court area. Afterwards, residents and officials performed the ritual water pouring ceremony to pay respect to the elders in the community.

Shortly after, and in some places during the traditional temple ceremonies, hordes of people took to the streets, using every effort imaginable to thoroughly soak any and all within their reach. Traffic was at a stand still and police had their hands full keeping it under control.

Who needs modern water canons when an elephant will do just fine? This playful pachyderm was truly enjoying the fun.

On April 19th, the day Pattaya celebrates Songkran, the activities started early in the morning at Chaimongkol Temple on South Pattaya Road. Prepared foods were brought to the temple to pay homage to the monks. Performing the water pouring ceremony followed, which in turn was followed by the water pouring ceremony for the elders from the area, who blessed the people in return.

For those who stayed around the temple after the ceremony there were plenty of activities planned, including traditional dances, long drums, and traditional Thai sports.

Afterwards, the Water Festival Parade was held, organized by the Chaimongkol Temple. Throughout the procession the monks sprinkled sacred water, blessing the people from the community who were lining the streets.

Then it was time for the annual water barrage to begin in earnest. Pick-up trucks filled with people and barrels of water entered the city to join the foot patrols already there; traffic was at a standstill and the water exchange continued throughout the day.