Celebrating New Year In Thailand, My Pics From Songkran 2009
My friends warned me never, never, ever to visit Thailand in April - of course I didn’t listen.
So why did my friends warn me?
Because in April the Thai people celebrate the New Year. They call it “Songkran” and funnily it’s not celebrated on the same day in the whole country, but the party moves through the country over the course of several days.
The ‘problem’ with Songkran is that people party several days with THROWING WATER at people. Seriously, you can’t get out of your apartment for 10 minutes without getting soaking wet…
Here are the pictures:
This is Pattaya’s Walking Street at April 18, 2009, a few hours before the official beginning of Songkran. The water is not from rain, but from people partying.

No matter whether you’re pedestrian, riding a motorbike or driving a car, you’ll always get wet.
Ready – Fire – Aim…

Waiting for the next victim…

Well, let’s cool her down a bit…

No mercy. With dedication she pours approximately 1.5 litres right into the poor guy’s face. :-)

Open window in your car?
Bad idea…

Party-time.


Back in my room late at night. The white stuff is something people put in your face wishing you a ‘happy new year’.

Next day, April 19, the party continues on beach road with thousands of people partying.

A closer look at beach road. No cars allowed today.

What? Even the monks throw water…

Woah, Bad Ass Warrior….

One of my German friends and 3 strange strangers under ATTACK!!!

Look closely – the air is filled with water.

We arrived at a save spot.

Making pictures wasn’t easy at Songkran, because I had to watch out for water coming at me (and the camera) all the time.
I’ll be back in Thailand in late June, July and August; I’m sure to post new pictures then.
The moral of this post: if you want to travel or work from the nicest places on earth, make sure to build an internet business. It’ll give you all the freedom you long for.

Discussion
Your comments are appreciated, your links are nofollow-free.
Spammy comments are bad for your karma. Cheers!
Nice one Ralf… Cool photos.
I try to stay inside when Songkran comes around…
It’s all in the name of fun. :)
see you in Thailand next month! :)
Martin
Hi Martin,
I enjoyed Songkran a lot, it was fun! But maybe it gets on your nerves if you’re exposed to it every year, like you are.
I’ll update you about where I stay shortly before I come to Thailand in June, got my visa in the mail today.
Ralf
Hi Ralf,
I hope you enjoyed your holidays there.
René
Hi Sir,
Nice Pics! This event is much similar with us here, it is called “San Juan” Day. Its a water day also. :)
Anyway, just visiting here.
Have a nice day, Sir
-Oozman-
I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.
Hi Meghan,
thank you for the kind words.
I just checked out your Pattaya web site.
By the way: I’m coming back to Pattaya today. :-)
I’m packing right now and the plane leaves later this afternoon.
Ralf