songkran

Day 360 - Monday April 14, 2008 Bangkok, Thailand As mentioned in a couple of previous posts, our visit to Bangkok luckily coincided with the Thai New Year celebration which is better known as The Songkran Festival. The Songkran Festival is a chance for young Thais to pay respect to their elders and of course to [...]

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The road's all empty, where's everybody gone? They're all headed to KhaoSan road to celebrate Songkran festival which is the Thai New Year. Its time for a water war on the streets! Most Thais go absolutely crazy during Songkran, getting drunk and dancing on the streets and even in the back of pickup trucks. Kids, adults, elderly, and everybody else have their buckets and guns loaded with water rea

OOH-LA-LA~!! I've been verrrrry naughty this Songkran.Nooo, I did NOT break my sacred vow to not splash water and have a dry Songkran (read my explanation HERE).Rather, I've been reading a very risqué book.OK, so some of you might pooh-pooh and comment, "A BOOK~?!?! You mean those boring things with no pictures that you actually have to hold in your hands and FLIP~?! Yaaaaaaaaaaaawn~~~~!!!!"Aaah~~ but this ain't no ordinary book. In fact, it's not available ANYWHERE in the Kingdom of Thailand. As in: you can NOT buy it.Because it's BANNED by the Thai government.Yes folks, censorship is still alive and well in the twenty-first century.The naughty book I'm talking about is this:"The King Never SmilesA Biography of Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej"by Paul M. HandleyIt's not news that the Thai p

Songkran, also known as the Water Splashing Festival, is the traditional Thai New Year festival which lasts for 3 full days each year in April. In some parts of Thailand this festival lasts even longer than 3 full days. Songkran is a Thai word which implies “move” or ‘change place” because this day is characterized by [...]

after thinking about it a little, I decided to stay indoors one more day. you never know, there might be some diehard wannabes who just don't know when to stop with the water wars.as it were, no big deal. I am starting to really get into "universe at war". as soon as I woke up, it was UAW, and that was the way it was - for the WHOLE DAY.I took a break for food of course. and then there was the 2 loads of laundry. some correspondence from david letterman, the sarge, and DQ. last but not least, somebody came over to buy my old lcd 17 inch monitor. that craigslist is really something else. ..it works.tomorrow or rather tonight (since it is about 5am right now), I will be sure to make it over to the looooobby. yes, it will be good to check out the scene once again after being away for

During 13.04.2008 - 15.04.2008 the Songkran Festival 2008 (Thai new year) took place all over Thailand. Since many years Chiang Mai in Norththailand is the center of the Songkran activities and the Thai new year is been celebrated there with the "world´s biggest waterbattle".

I just read in the local bangkokpost newspaper. quote, "official songkran celebrations will start to wind down." 13-15. that's it. hopefully no more water wars out in the streets. does that mean I can now venture out back to the lobby tonight? it's wednesday, you know - april 16. my frig is stocked up with enough food for another few days. but the yearning to go out is starting to get to me. hibernation is for the bears.well, we'll see... later today, I think I'll do a short walk around the neighborhood and see what the verdict is. I'm not too concerned with the little kids running around with water. ..it's the BIG kids that cause all the trouble with their 50 gallon barrels of water sitting in the back of their pickup trucks that scare me.yea! yea! YEA!!!!!so, what did I do last night, yo

Imagine your surprise if you're confronted by THIS at the supermarket cashier~!!That's right, folks... shoppers at Emporium were treated to a Thai puppet dance for Songkran~!!The unique thing about these puppets is that each requires THREE puppeteers for it to come alive, and the puppeteers also mimic the puppet's actions:- the left puppeteer controls the puppet's left hand and head- the middle puppeteer control's the puppet's feet- the right puppeteer controls the puppet's right handCalled hun lakhon lek in Thai, this dying art form was popularized by Joe Louis (Thai name: Sakorn Yangkhiawsod), who was also one of Thailand's top puppet masters and last "Grand Master" of small puppet performers.More info HERE~!! no strings attached~!!streetsmartsukhumvit@gmail.com sukhumvit bangkok thai

Another effort at videotaping Songkran at Soi Cowboy in Bangkok on Sunday the 13th. The main focus of the video is two girls who are dancing and hugging for the camera, but in the background you can see a water fight developing that is probably more entertaining. Click here to watch the video.Links of Interest:original post from Bargirlsrpeople2: Songkran Video: Sunday 13 April 2008

Sukhumvit is DEAD. It all started about two to three days before Songkran… There was a mass exodus of humanity coming out of Sukhumvit. As a result, by the time Songkran made its first splash, the road is like a ghost town. Ain’t no matter whether it's day or night, the usually gridlocked Sukhumvit has turned soooo spacious:   What a truly remarkable (and RARE~!!) sight~!! (You can actually hear the crickets chirping, yo~!!) Many shops are closed, starting with my favorite kuaytiew shop (booohooooo):   (The sign says “closed for Songkran 12-16 April, reopen 17 April" - oh I shall be counting the DAYS~!!).   Now, for those who think that the whole Kingdom of Siam turns into a sea during Songkran, let me tell you this: it IS possible to remain dry during Songkran,

If the Culture Ministry of Thailand has its way, the next Songkran festival will not necessarily start on April 13. Wattana Boonchab, an expert at the Culture Ministry, said the ministry is considering reviving a tradition in which Songkran Day is determined with the help of an ancient calendar that is common in most Southeast Asian countries, rather than fixing the date on April 13.I do not think there is much more commentary necessary, but this is probably a flop just as bad as trying to forbid the sale of alcohol, tight clothes or waterguns on Songkran. Are there still youth in Thailand who are actually still listening to this BS or have they by now totally given up on respecting their elders -- I would not wonder if this is what the Thai policy makers are coming up with #constantly#...

Songkran (Thai new Year) 2008 was -- like in the previous years -- unbelievable fun. I was right in the midst of the action on Soi Bangla, and got drenched in water for the two days straight this event is held in Phuket. There is a more traditional way of participating in Songkran, and for all the moaners out there: it was your free choice. My girlfriend chose the more peaceful option and went home to her parents. To get your own idea how Songkran 2008 went: the first photo galleries and images of Songkran 2008 are out on the Internet (I did not dare to bring my camera with me). For example, take a look here.

have you ever met children who would watch the same movie, cartoon, etc. over and over again? I knew this one kid who watched star wars like over 50 times. and when he told me of the feat, he was beaming with pride. it used to always amazed me how some people could get so addicted to something - until today.you see, it is about 7am in the morning right now. I just finished watching another 12 episodes of heroes. I started watching them at 10pm last night. and just finished up no more than an hour ago. I saw all 24 episodes of the 1st season of heroes in less than 2 days.I truly know now how people can get caught up with those tv shows.get this. AND NOW.. I want to see what they already have for the 2nd season. I like the heroes tv series.anyway, so, what else happened to me yeste

I found this trio of traditional Thai musicians in Emporium, no doubt to welcome Songkran~!!From left to right, the instruments are: jak-ae, khim and dapon-tai. They're playing a very popular Thai melody.Enjoy the clip and HAPPY SONGKRAN~!! suksan wan songkran~!!streetsmartsukhumvit@gmail.com sukhumvit bangkok thailand

Right now, all across the land of smiles, people are soaking themselves with water and tossing flour on each other. The country is in the midst of the world's biggest water fight as tourists and locals engage in the time honored tradition of seeing who can walk away wetter without passing out from the beer first. Yes, it's Songkran again. Time for the Thai's to celebrate their new year.Songkran is the time of cleaning and rebirth. Originally, the date shifted depending on the astrological calender but, in the 1800s, the date became fixed. This day is celebrated by attending temple and cleansing the body and mind. Water is meant as a way to pay respect to the elders as well as symbolized cleansing. In ancient times, elders and priests were even given baths by the youth. Many Thais make sur

the first day of songkran went pretty quickly for me. to start with, I woke up at around 3pm in the afternoon. watched some tv. and then, did my routine search of the net for like 2 hours. after the net, I thought to myself. maybe it is time to treat myself to the new computer game - universe at war. the installation part of the game took me an hour since I had to download this huge 28 mb patch off the internet. but once that was completed, I had fun learning how to play the game. I played the game for like 2 hours before taking a break to my dinner of morning glory over rice. followed by some doughnuts. and a cup of coffee.I had 5 doughnuts and they were suppose to last me a few days. but as it turns out they didn't even last an hour.after dinner, I decided to start watching th

Date: 12 – 15 April 2008 Venue: at 9 royal temples and around Rattanakosin Island Hi-Light:Songkran Celebration of the 4 Regions (southern section of Sanam Luang near Wat Phra Kaeo) Bathing of Buddha images from the 4 regions, local food and dessert making demonstrations, and cultural shows from various regions.Open Ceremony on 12th April 2008 18.00-21.00 hrs. at Wat ArunPaying worship at 9 royal temples around Rattanakosin Island. On 12-15 April 2008 09.00-18.00 hrs. :Wat Phra Sri Rattanasasadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo)Wat Chetaphon (Wat Pho)Wat SuthatWat SaketWat BowonniwetWat ChanasongkramWat RakungWat Arun (Wat Chaeng), and Wat KalayanamitrFun-filled splashing in traditional Thai dress, Khao San Road with various forms of Songkran fun, on 4-15 April 2008 at 17.00-18.00 hrs.Banglamphu comm

Deriving from the Sansakrit language, the word “Songkran“ means to pass or to move into. In this context, the meaning implies to the passing and the moving of the sun, the moon and the other planets into one of the zodiacal orbit. And the Grand Songkran Festival which falls on the Aries indicates the new era of the Thai New Year. Owing to the ancient Indian belief, the Grand Songkran Festival is most appropriate to be the Thai New Year due to the timing of the best season which is known as the spring of India which comes right after the cold season of winter. Also, there are other aspects supporting this belief such as the blooming flowers, the fresh atmosphere of the nature and the livelihood of all the living creatures.With the great influence from the Indians, the Songkran Festival

This week sees the celebration for the start of the traditional Thai new year. From the 13th-15th April, Thai people will be dressing up in new clothes and visiting the local temple to make merit and to their grandparents in order to receive blessings. Afterwards, the youngsters will be out on the street taking part [...]

Have you ever seen a picture of a street full of people throwing water to each other with a smile under the very hot sun? If not, this time of the year would be a great chance for you not only to watch the fantastic Songkran festival but to join it yourself. The number one popular place where people gather for the festival should be "Khao San" road. It's crowded everyday during the festival by both Thai and foreigners. Some use a squirt gun, some use water from a rubber tube from their houses, some use powder and some just have fun by walking through the road and have other people splashing water to them. If you would like to see some different plays of Songkran, "Soi Cowboy" and "PatPong" where the whole street becomes a water theme park + party. It starts in the evening until late at nig

today was a day of preparations. since tomorrow is the start of the thai holiday, this was the last day to stock up on provisions, and prepare myself for hibernation mode. some of you are probably wondering why I am not immersing myself into this holiday that is noted for a week of water fights. where adults and kids alike go around making everything and everybody wet. to put it bluntly - ..why in the fuck don't you enjoy it, bro?..the answer, ..the reasonlong ago, I DID enjoy the festivaties. but after seriously getting sick a few times after being drenched in water, I decided this holiday was not for me. how serious did I get sick, you ask? how does getting laid up in bed for at least a week sound to you? I have my suspicions that the water some people spray you with is tainted.

From April 13 to April 15, 2008 the whole of Thailand will celebrate Songkran (Thai สงกรานต์), the Thai New Year. Are you readily prepared for the fun and action -- or don't you even know what Songkran is all about?As mid-April is the hottest time of the year, in the past people would sprinkle water among themselves in nice way to bless each other. Also, the bones of the forefathers would be washed, so it was (and is) quite a serious moment for many. But there is also a more lighthearted side to Songkran; all out water fights with plastic water guns and even fire hoses will erupt in many tourist areas like Phuket or Pattaya, but the same festival spirit can be found also in the Isaan and the north of Thailand. Incidentally, Chiang Mai is quite famous for its lively So

Songkran is Thai New Year celebration and known to foreigner as "water festival" which runs official from 13-15 April of every year. It's supposed to be the hottest month in April in Thailand, so it's a perfect wet holiday that everyone can enjoy.Songkran is known the worldover for its characteristic tradition of water-throwing ranging from a courteous sprinkle or a polite splash, to harmless water pistols and showers from garden hoses to the well-aimed bucket or water cannon. Songkran delivered in a festive spirit without a doubt, on the practical side, Songkran is a refreshing solution to "beating the heat" in the hottest season of the year."Songkran" is a word from the Sanskrit language, which means to "move into" and refers to the position of the sun as it enters Aries. It marks the en

The most obvious feature in celebrating Songkran is the throwing of water. People wander the streets with water containers and water cannons themselves or by post at the side of roads with a garden hose and drench each other and passers-by. However, this has not always been the main activity of this festival. Songkran is traditionally a time to visit and pay respects to elders, family members, fri

was going to go out and shop around for provisions. but as it turned out, I ended up staying home all day. what the hell, I thought. I still have 2 days to go before songkran. so, there is still time.since many lounge lizards were going home soon, I thought about planning a going away dinner for everybody. but when I sent the text messages out, nobody replied except for harrison ford. so, it will be harrison and I doing the sizzler tomorrow.oh. another lounge lizard, hawaiian bob, did do the courtesy to reply, and said he was reserving tomorrow for his honey. makes sense.in about 20 minutes, 10pm to be precise, duece bigalow plane should be taking off back to new york.the lobby will probably be very quiet tonight.as for me, I am going back to playing my supreme commander and then,

Date 18-20 April 2008 Venue Downtown district of Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan Activities Swan and centipede flags parade, Miss Songkran parade, decorated vehicles and all beautiful ladies wearing Thai Raman dresses parades also traditional local games especially Sa-ba of Thai Raman tribe, and paying homage to the elderly, Miss and Mister Songkran beauty contest as well as how to play [...]

Date 12-15 April 2008 Venue All around in Chiangmai city, Chiang Mai Songkran Festival, paying homage to elderly, local traditional shows and local artistic game demonstration , splashing water around the city ditch, walking street and all international food. Hi-Light 12 April 2008 07.00 hrs. Royal Flora Garden (Ratchaphruek), there is a piling rice to [...]

Songkran Festival At Phuket Date 10-13 April 2008 Venue Loma Park and The Port, Jungsilon Department Store Patong beach, Phuket Activities View the procession of Phra Phuttha Sihing along Patong Beach, paying homage to the elderly, demonstrations of Thai culture and Thai games, procession of motorcycles, and enjoy splashing water. Hi-Light 13 April 2008 09.00 hrs. Giving alms to monks at [...]

Date 11 – 15 April 2008 Venue Wat Phra Boromthat and Si Thamma Sokarat Park, Sanam Na Meuang, I-suan Hall, and Phra Narai Hall, Nakhon Si Thammarat Activities Wat Boromthat: tradition of paying worship to the Phrathat at Songkran. Sanam Na Mueang, Si Thamma Sokarat Park, I-suan Hall, and Phra Narai Hall, a procession of Phra Puttasihing, Nang Kradan [...]

Hat Yai Midnight Songkran Festival, Songkhla Date 11 – 14 April 2008 Vanue Niphat Uthit Road, Sanehanusorn Road, Hat Yai Activities 12 April 2008 18.00 hrs. A procession of Songkran festival. 13 April 2008 Miss Songkran Beauty Contest and various forms of entertainment and local games as well as playing splashing water in the evening. Further information Hat Yai Municipality Tel: 0 7424 4777 TAT [...]

Date : 12 – 15 April 2008 Venue : at 9 royal temples and around Rattanakosin Island Hi-Light : * Songkran Celebration of the 4 Regions (southern section of Sanam Luang near Wat Phra Kaeo) Bathing of Buddha images from the 4 regions, local food and dessert making demonstrations, and cultural shows from various regions. Bangkok Songkran Festival Open Ceremony on 12th [...]

Deriving from the Sansakrit language, the word “Songkran“ means to pass or to move into. In this context, the meaning implies to the passing and the moving of the sun, the moon and the other planets into one of the zodiacal orbit. And the Grand Songkran Festival which falls on the Aries indicates the new era of the Thai New Year. Owing to the ancient Indian belief, the Grand Songkran Festival is most appropriate to be the Thai New Year due to the timing of the best season which is known as the spring of India which comes right after the cold season of winter. Also, there are other aspects supporting this belief such as the blooming flowers, the fresh atmosphere of the nature and the livelihood of all the living creatures. Date 13 – 15 April 2008 Venue Phra Nakho

Got this WETWETWET clip of Songkran celebrations in Nana (Sukhumvit 3) from YouTube~!!This VDO is connected to my earlier blog entry (read it HERE). wetter than "Water World"~!! sukhumvit bangkok thailand

Date12 – 15 April 2008 Venue at 9 royal temples and around Rattanakosin Island Hi-Light:Songkran Celebration of the 4 Regions (southern section of Sanam Luang near Wat Phra Kaeo) Bathing of Buddha images from the 4 regions, local food and dessert making demonstrations, and cultural shows from various regions. Songkran Festival in Thailand is begin about 10-17 Apirl In all place in Thailand Open Ceremony on 12th April 2008 18.00-21.00 hrs. at Wat Arun (Wat Chaeng) Paying worship at 9 royal temples around Rattanakosin Island. On 11-15 April 2008 09.00-18.00 hrs. : Wat Phra Sri Rattanasasadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo) Wat Chetaphon (Wat Pho) Wat Suthat, Wat Saket Wat Bowonniwet Wat Chanasongkram Wat Rakung Wat Arun (W

Y'all gonna hate me and my new idea FO SHO.It all came to me when I just realized that it’s actually Earth Hour when I turned on the TV (ironic, isn’t it?) and saw that many cities went dark for an hour by choice to commemorate the coming Earth Day.(I was actually in Emporium for the MIDNIGHT SALE: buying more “stuff”, using up the aircon and those evil paper (and yes, also plastic) bags, PLUS enjoying the bands on stage – basically being very environmentally UN-friendly). Even Google went black.   All the nonsense hype isn’t lost to me: 1). I actually had to turn on CNN to find out about the event. 2). In some cities, there were huuuuge electronic boards counting down 3, 2, 1 to Earth Hour. 3). How does a black Google page help the Earth? You can say that Google

Songkran is a special time of the year in Chiangmai and one of the nicest parts of this festive holiday is the pouring of water. Traditionally, younger people pay respect to their elders by pouring water from silver bowls on the hands of older persons. This ceremony is known as "Rod Nahm Dum Hua." After the family pays respect the elders ask the younger ones to forgive them for speaking harshly during the past year and the elders give them a blessing and words of wisdom. This is much different from the fun-loving water throwing we see around Chiangmai at Songkran, and it is often accompanied by the tying of strings around the person's wrists. This activity is done in the home while the more vigorous water throwing is done outside. Meanwhile, in the streets of Chiangmai thron

Date 13-15 April 2008 Place : All Place in Thailand Participate in our water splash to celebrate Songkran. Pay homage to Phra Buddha Sihing. Visit our simulated temple fair. Watch Thai traditional sport activities. Enjoy all kinds of entertainment during the festival. This traditional Thai custom of merry-making is the Kingdom's most 'sanuk' (fun-filled) festival, celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm, nation-wide, once a year. In most parts of the country, Songkran extends over a period of 3 days. Known the world-over for its characteristic tradition of water-throwing ranging from a courteous sprinkle or a polite splash, to harmless water pistols and showers from garden hoses to the well-aimed bucket or water-cannon delivered in a festive spirit. Without a doubt, on the p

I never would have guessed that when I left America I would be away for 3 years. I expected one year but now it has been three. Thos years have flown by. The year of the pig was only 3 months! Confused about what I am talking about? I'm talking about how it is another new year- welcome to 2551! Last week, was the Thai new year, marking the 3rd new year's celebration I've had since I've left home. It was also by far the best. While I had considerable fun ringing in the Western New Year, I have never seen anything like Songkran, the Thai New Year. It's hard to describe the sheer craziness that is involved during this 3 day (yes, 3 days!) celebration. Songkran is about renewing yourself for the New Year and washing away the sins of the past. So for 3 days everyone has a huge wat

An extensive buffet feast marked the Songkran Festival – Thailand’s New Year celebration – held at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort on 13 April 2007. Titled Songkran Gala Dinner, the event was organised in all its traditional, exciting colour and splendour by the picturesque poolside of the Royal Cliff Beach Hotel, the extensive buffet feast featured a sumptuous selection of authentic Thai and international delicacies, colourful live shows, classical Thai entertainment and a fabulous raffle draw. The event culminated in an exciting “Miss Songkran” pageant where the guests had a memorable opportunity to vote for and elect the most beautiful Miss Songkran from among 11 contestants. Attired in traditional clothes, staff of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort wish good luck to the guests by pouring water on their hands during the Songkran festivities. Guests exploring the culinary delights in store at the Songkran Gala Dinner held by the picturesque poolside of the Royal Cliff Bea

The Thai New Year (Thai: สงกรานต์ Songkran) is celebrated every year on 13 April to 15 April. It is also celebrated in Laos (called Songkan in Lao), Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma where it is called Thingyan), and by ethnic Dai in Yunnan, China. Sri Lanka also celebrates a similar festival called Sinhalese and Tamil new year on the same dates.The date of the festival was originally set by astrological calculation, but it is now fixed . If these days fall on a weekend, the missed days off will be taken on the days immediately following (But Sri Lanka still uses an astrological calculation to set the dates and times based on the sun's positional change and those dates and times are used to start the festival events). Songkran falls in the hottest time of the year in Thailand, at the end of the dry season. Until 1888 the Thai New Year was the beginning of the year in Thailand; thereafter 1 April was used until 1940. 1 January is now the beginning of the year. The traditional Th

One of the best places to experience Songkran is in Chiang Mai, where it is celebrated on a grand scale with a flavour uniquely and entirely its own, attracting visitors from far and wide. This year, Songkran Thai New Year festivities scheduled for April 11-15, will be held at temples, in the vicinity of the city’s gates and around the city moat.Devout Buddhists visit the temple for merit-making and to listen to sermons. Lustral water is sprinkled on sacred Buddha images, such as the Phra Buddha Sihing image, and also poured over the hands of monks in a gesture of reverence. Donations are also made to the temple. Enjoy traditional Thai cultural performances held in the temple ground. One of the highlights of the festival is the 'Songkran Beauty Queen Procession' that takes place on Songkran Day itself - April 13. Meanwhile, many other events leading up to the main attraction are spread over several days and it is here that the visitor gets to see various aspects of Chiang Mai, firs

올 해도 어김없이 태국 최대의 축제인 쏭끄란 축제 시작을 알리고 있습니다. 작년 4월에도 많은 이야기를 남긴 아쉬움이 많았던 축제 올해 2007년에도 쏭끄란 축제와 더불어 복~~ 받으세요.. 올 4월에도 어김없이 태국 전역에서는 전축제인 쏭끄란이 열린다. 올 축제 기간은 4월 14일부터. 태국력으로 새해의 시작을 알리는 쏭끄란 축제는 전세계적으로 잘 알려진 바와 같이 물의 축제이기도 하다. 이 기간 동안 태국 어디를 찾든 방문객들은 웃음 가득한 얼..글 전체보기

Songkran Festival is the traditional Thai New Year and is celebrated annually on April 13. Songkran comes from the Sanskrit word which means “move” or “change”. It is a time for cleaning and renewal for the locals, from correcting bad behaviour, setting new resolutions to spring cleaning at home. This festival is celebrated in Thailand [...]