Before Thailand changed over to the international
calendar and began celebrating January 1 as New Year’s Day, the
traditional New Year festivities were held over Songkran, April 13-15,
with April 13 as the main day. The water festival on the Eastern Seaboard,
however, takes place almost a week after the rest of the nation
celebrates.
Has
anyone seen my face? I seem to have lost it back there in the water wars.
Just as life was returning to normal in the rest of the
country, the Pattaya and Banglamung areas had their day. The city streets
began to fill early with revelers and festivities quickly escalating as
the day progressed.
On the official side of things, city administrators and
Chonburi Governor Pisit Ketphasook led the faithful in the traditional
bathing of the Buddha statues and merit making ceremonies at
Chaiyamongkhol Temple in South Pattaya. Similar activities took place at
nine other temples throughout the city at around 11.30 a.m.
Following the ceremonies in South Pattaya, a brightly
coloured parade made its way along Pattaya Second Road and back along
Beach Road. Police and civilian volunteers were out in force to ensure
everything moved safely before the real chaos began.
Despite calls for restraint, many people were seen
using PVC pipe canons, and many of the young women were dressing
provocatively. Throughout the day from Banglamung to Jomtien the streets
were filled with thousands engaging in the wild water activities, many
fuelled by alcohol, as the sois became awash with water and powder. Even
through Tuesday afternoon’s rainstorm the fun continued.
Pattaya’s Songkran this year saw large numbers of
residents and foreign tourists taking part.
“Many people traveled to Pattaya for April 18 and 19
causing traffic snarls, especially along Beach Road, Central Pattaya Road
and Sukhumvit. Traffic police and volunteers have been working hard to
ensure safety and road rules were followed but as with festivities such as
this we haven’t been able to reach every corner to detain motorists
disobeying the traffic rules, specifically those on motorcycles with three
people, or those not wearing helmets. Overall it has been quite good with
no serious accidents occurring,” said Pol Lt Col Somchai Phongsai,
Pattaya traffic inspector.
Overall, there were no serious incidents reported. Figures released
revealed 14 people injured in minor accidents, eight arrested for fighting
and one drowning as a result of intoxication while swimming.
Mayor
Niran braved the elements to go out and have fun with his constituents.
Dancing
in the streets.
Tourists
armed and ready for action.
Jeff
Wylie and friends enjoy the festivities.
A
traditional float, with traditional farmers drinking traditional ancient
Heineken, was a fun part of the festivities.
Gotcha!
Once
again this year, traffic was bumper to bumper and barely moved.
