Songkran and waterfights on people's minds
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Songkran is just around the corner and we are constantly reminded of it on social media. Many people have been sharing photos of them celebrating the Thai New Year at their office. Some pour water to pay respect to Buddha; some greet their bosses. Many
News anchor Jake Rattanatangtrakul posted a picture of his daughter holding a water gun and wrote his own breaking news: “Attention please! A new law allows kindergarten kids to carry water guns in school. It came after some unarmed children were attacked and got wet and became desperately teary. The government is pushing for this at every school. That’s all, folks!”
Nitirat Zapatista wrote: “Please be in peace. It’s Songkran, not Songkram [war]. Please drink [alcohol] less.”
UK Ambassador Mark Kent (@KentBkk) posted a happy Songkran message reminding followers to take care of their passport and not let it get wet.
US Secretary of State John Kerry (@JohnKerry) issued a statement saying: “I wish all Thai people a happy and healthy Songkran!”
Before that, US charge d’affaires W Patrick Murphy (@WpatrickMurphy) posted a picture of embassy staff shooting their annual Songkran video.
Of course, Songkran comes in the hot season and many people talk about the heat.
@darkendefend wrote: “The sun is so hot that I have to beg for my life.”
@ibellja wrote: “The singles’ world is so lonely, but our world is bloody hot.”
On tourism, @ThailandFanClub quoted the news that as many as 400,000 Chinese tourists are coming to Thailand this Songkran.
Other people talked about where to enjoy Songkran.
@naris_Reporter posted a picture of sweet pink trumpet trees (tabebuia) with the caption: “Blossoming! The pink trumpet tree vaults in Kamphaeng Saen is blossoming to greet the summer and Songkran 2558 BE.”
@RichardBarrow wrote: “This looks cool. Ubon will have a 60-metre-long slide on the city street for #Songkran. Play for free.”
@bangkokexpats posted a picture of him and his friend holding a water gun and wrote: “#ThrowbackThursday to my first #Songkran.”
@HugThailand said: “Songkran is not only between 13-15 April, the fun continues one week after that. There is another Songkran between 17-19 April, 2015. It is called 'Songkran Phra Pradaeng' which is held according to Mon culture in Phra Pradaeng district, Samut Prakan province.”
@DiscoverAsean posted a link to a video on Facebook saying: “Some collection of #Songkran dances from last year. Hope you will enjoy more this year.”
@greenpeaceth wrote: “Before throwing the water during Songkran, please take a look at the water level report. Drought could be a crisis.”
Media outlets yesterday began to report about traffic and the road toll.
@PPTVThailand said: “People are ready for Songkran [trips], vehicles are ready, but don’t forget to check out the routes.”
Social media users also warned each other to think about safety, including being careful with chemicals in the water.
@l0l93 wrote: “Please remind yourself that you are going back home to visit and pay respect to your parents. You are going to enjoy the festival and have fun. You are not going to kill yourself. Please be mindful and don’t do anything that is too much.”
@CurtisSChin said: “SE Asia: ready for #Songkran #Thingyan [Myanmar’s] or #Pimai [Laos’ New Year]. Don’t douse & drive: #RoadSafety matters.”
Many people also shared useful phone numbers like 1190 for emergency, 1197 for traffic info, 1669 for medical help, 1193 for the Highway Police and 1196 for a water-related accident.
