It’s that time of year again, when the
streets turn to rivers, water throwing madness rules and general mayhem
ensues. Yes, Songkran is here, Thai New Year, the annual water festival.
Drive carefully and be prepared to get wet unexpectedly at any time
whilst walking, especially in and around the entertainment areas. Also
expect traffic to be at a standstill, especially on April 19 in Pattaya,
similar to this situation on 3rd Road last year. (Pattaya Mail photo
courtesy of Tom Brown)
With the national Songkran festivities all but
finished, expect an influx of tourists, both Thai and international, to
“invade” Pattaya this weekend as we celebrate our version of Songkran
April 18 in Naklua and April 19 here in Pattaya.
Police are issuing the usual warnings that road
blocks will be set up during the period to check for drunken drivers;
they are warning people to not use powder and high powered water cannons
(PVC pipes will be confiscated), refrain from throwing ice water, and no
public consumption of alcohol will be permitted.
Pattaya police superintendent Pol. Col. Nanthawut
Suwanla-Ong also announced that security will be tightened throughout
the entire Songkran week. He said police will focus on searching for
lethal weapons, drugs, robbery, and physical assaults. Police and
volunteers will be stationed at different stop points around town and on
the highway to aid people with trouble around the clock. He also said
that anyone who plans to leave for an extended period during the
holidays can contact police to keep an eye on their home while they are
gone.
The Transport Ministry is providing motorists with
free access to Expressways Number 7, or the Bangkok-Chonburi Motorway,
and Number 9, or the East Outer Ring Road, during this year’s Songkran
Festival from 16.00 hrs of April 8 to 12.00 hrs of April 18.
Sales of water pistols have been brisk this year, and
there is a large variety to choose from, as anyone who has been to
practically any store can see. Flowery shirts are also big sellers this
year.
Pattaya officials, water pistols at the ready, announce this year’s
itinerary for the local Songkran Festival April 19.
Stages will be set up on the beach side of Beach Road
at nearly every intersection, and will feature music and various
entertainment from 9 a.m. until late, all day Tuesday, April 19. (For
the entertainment schedule, please turn to page 31).
Traffic will most likely once again come to a
complete standstill throughout Pattaya and Jomtien. Police, along with
Pattaya Mail and most everyone in the city, are urging people to
avoid unnecessary travel, and if you do need to venture out, please use
extreme caution, especially if you travel by motorcycle. Wear a helmet,
too. There is no excuse not to. And by all means, do not drive under the
influence of intoxicants.
Remember, be prepared to get drenched unexpectedly
and at any time whilst walking from now until wan lai activities are
over on Wednesday April 20, especially in and around the entertainment
areas.
Plenty of activities are on the schedule, in addition
to the “wan lai” or water throwing, and the general mayhem that is both
a local custom and a tourist attraction.
The following is an outline of activities being held
locally:
April 13-19
Traditional Koh Si Chang Songkran will be held in
front of Koh Si Chang District office and Wat Juthathisthamsapharam
Worawiharn, Si Chang district.
Activities: merit-making in the morning, pouring
water on monks, pouring water on the hands of revered elders and asking
for their blessing, water splashing, sand castle building, Koh Si Chang
traditional folk games such as Muay Tab Jak (blind boxing), Pai Rue Ka
Ta (pan boat competition) and many activities till evening when the Kong
Khao tradition (feeding the spirits) will be observed and a Pong Lang
music show will be performed.
April 16-17
The Kor Pra Sai tradition (Bang Saen Songkran
Festival) will be held on Bang Sean Beach.
Activities: merit-making in the morning, pouring
water on monks, pouring water on the hands of revered elders and asking
for their blessing, water splashing, a spectacular sand art competition,
concert and seafood booths.
April 18-19
Wan Lai Pattaya-Naklua: Naklua Songkran Festival
(April 18) and Pattaya Songkran Festival (April 19).
Pattaya activities: On Tuesday April 19 at 7.30 a.m.,
alms giving to monks at Wat Chaimongkol in South Pattaya. At 10 a.m.
pouring water on the hands of revered elders and asking for their
blessing, and traditional games. In the afternoon flower decorated
vehicles and Buddha statues will parade from Wat Chaimongkol to Pattaya
Second Road to Pattaya Central Road and turn left to go down to Beach
Road and return to the temple.
April 19-21
Songkran Sri Maha Racha and Kong Khao Tradition
(Sriracha Songkran Festival), held in Sriracha municipality’s health
park.
Activities: merit-making in the morning, pouring
water on monks, pouring water on the hands of revered elders and asking
for their blessing, water splashing, Songkran parade and festival,
cultural shows such as Thai music, Thai dance, Khon including
traditional folk activities such as Muay Tab Jak (blind boxing), oiled
pole climbing competition, Takraw Lod Haung (rattan ball competition),
Kong Khao tradition and concert in evening.
April 20
Kong Khao Naklua (Naklua Rice Festival), held at Larn
Pho Public Park.
Activities: Kong Khao Tradition in the evening will
be preceded by fun activities all day, such as slingshot competitions,
greased pole climbing, Takraw Lod Haung (rattan ball competition), and
Muay Talay (sea boxing). The Kong Khao ceremony will commence at 6.30
p.m. with a parade of respected gods, goddesses and ghosts consuming
donated food. The day will end with a country song concert from Mike
Piromporn.
A similar Kong Khao ceremony will take place at Wat
Nong Yai on Sukhumvit Highway from 6.30 p.m. onwards.
Further information can attained by calling the Pattaya public
relations department on 038 410 200 ext. 191-2.
