Spotlight

Wet and wild

Locals share their Songkran adventures

Tatat Bunnag

It’s summer, and the temperature is rising every day. That means it’s time for Thailand’s favourite holiday, Songkran.

The squirt guns, buckets of water, hoses and other water-spraying devices that revellers lay their hands on are loaded and ready.

Whether you prefer getting splashed and soaked with a party crowd or just having a quiet family get-together, you’ll find plenty of ways to have fun creating new happy memories during the Thai New Year celebration.

Student Weekly recently cornered some locals and asked them to share some of their most memorable Songkran moments.

‘’I’m from Hat Yai, but I’m always so busy that I barely get a chance to visit home. Last Songkran, I visited Hat Yai and met all my relatives. It was an incredible feeling to see the whole family together again. All the stress of the year was gone.

Songkran is fun. I don’t mind people using water guns and things, but don’t be a troublemaker. Guys, please don’t harass the girls.’’

Charcrin Chumming, 28, Virgin HitZ DJ

‘’Songkran is always special for me. It’s a long holiday, and I’ve celebrated it in lots of different places. This year I’ll probably end up at Khao San Road — there’s always a big party and lots of people celebrating there’’.

Danu Pimjatukham, 23, university student

‘’I love Songkran. This is my second year celebrating the holiday in Thailand. It’s basically a countrywide water fight.

Last year I had fun in Chiang Mai. There were people on motorcycles, splashing people with buckets of water — it was so funny. Thailand’s really hot, so it’s appropriate to play with water. I can’t wait for Songkran this year!’’

Neil Hammond, 24, musician

‘’I normally don’t celebrate this holiday too seriously. I prefer to stay home and hang out with my family. Sometimes we drive around the city to see people playing in the street, but I don’t join in. I have enough fun just watching.’’

Tiya Panikasu, 21, event organiser

‘’I try to avoid going out during Songkran — it can be quite dangerous. I hope this year people will try to be safe during the holiday. Don’t drink if you have to drive.’’

Nujjarin Sukmongkhol, 19, university student

‘’My most memorable Songkran was when I was young. My dad drove me and my sister around in a van. Splashing people from the van was great fun!

I don’t like it when people use water guns or ice packs to wet others. It’s too violent, and people can get hurt. It’s better to pour water gently and to be blessed by elders.’’

Nana Rybena, 26, Virgin HitZ DJ

‘’I might head to Pattaya for Songkran this year. I went last year with friends and had a blast. The celebration there seems to last longer than in Bangkok.

Most places have four or five days of madness, which is enough for me. I don’t think I could handle it for a week or more.’’

Jirayut Wanocha, 25, bassist with The Rogers

	device (n): an object or a piece of equipment that has been designed to do a particular job soaked (adj): very wet get-together (n): an informal meeting or party harass (v): to annoy or worry somebody by saying or doing unpleasant things to them countrywide (adj): over the whole of a country blast (n): a very enjoyable experience that is a lot of fun