This being my first Songkhran, Thai New Year, I didn't know what to expect. I'd heard about the water throwing etc, but with all the trouble in Bangkok, it seemed for a while that everyone might forget it.
Thankfully not so, and if you took to the Thai roads over the last two days you would find yourself met by various gatherings of water throwing Thai's lining the streets.
Some even do their best to stop you and take donations for their local temples. If you donate some money you will (probably) not end up soaked (some great pictures of 'soakings' here on Thai-Blogs.com)
It's good fun, but I can see why there are so many accidents, what with drink driving and lots of gatherings at the roadside. Plus, a sudden and surprising explosion of water all over the windscreen of a drunken Thai could possibly preempt a 'knee jerk' reaction? Still, as long as you drive carefully (and sober) all should be well.
There were rumours that over the festive period it would be illegal to buy booze (to try to help to cut down the amount of road accidents), but I didn't see any evidence of the 'clamp down'. I bought beer on a couple of occasions.
It reminded me of the Thai 'Earth Hour' that was well televised just recently; apparently the whole of Thailand was going to turn off all lights / TV's / Electrical equipment for 1 hour between 8-9pm on a particular evening.
The event was well publicised, and everyone thought it was a great idea! Did it work?
No, course it didnt. Everyone talked a great fight, but then tuned into the Thai equivalant of Eastenders at 8.30! (We actually forgot about it, until it was too late).
The most memorable event for me over the '09 Songkhran was dinner at Sutiya's Gran's house.
The event started harmlessly enough, Por brought along a couple of beers, and after chilling out for a bit, the ashes of Sutiya's grandfather were brought out, and some of 'Songkhran' water was sprinkled on and into the urn (I think I might of overdone it, as everyone jumped up as I had my go, maybe I sprinkled a little too much water into Grandpa's urn?....If I did, sorry Gramps).
Attention was then turned to Grandma.
Por started washing her feet, at first, pouring small dribbles of water from a silver cup.
He then started pouring water over her arms, and shoulders, and then her face and head.
Granny was drenched. But then he grabbed a hose, and really went to town....
Before long, Granny sat naked above the waist, whilst all the kids washed her down with water and some soap, as she threw water back at them, blessing them whilst doing so.
It was a bit different, shall we say, and unexpected, as I had no warning that I was about to witness everybody washing Sutiya'a naked Grandma, but I felt very honoured. Nobody batted an eyelid that the Farang might be a little taken aback, which is exactly how I would like things. I helped wash her back as well!
As Sutiya explained to me 'Thailand is becoming a little more like the West with each generation, afraid to wash their grandparents'.
Food for thought.
Talking about food, after everyone had a go at soaking each other and wiping white soapy stuff all over each others faces, we then sat down to a nice meal outside, with a couple of lagers and the Thai family, with Gran dressed.
Yes, the price of globilisation I'm afraid. The west gets exotic dishes, the east gets some of our hang-ups. Still, least you'll always be able to say you washed a naked Octogenarian. I'm sure there are very specialised clubs were people pay a lot of money to do that!
Posted by: dannyboy | April 16, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Great word Dan, committed to memory. Yeah you're right, they are hang ups, although I'm not splashing the cash at the 'Pattya Octogenarian' just yet.
Posted by: Ben Shingleton | April 16, 2009 at 10:39 AM
A good traditional Songkran by the sound of it but I suppose it would be with grandma around. Love the bit about overdoing the water on grandfather's urn. If Thailand's way of thinking comes round to the UK's then Grandma will be locked up for exposure and there will be a hosepipe ban. Britain could ruin Songkran forever. Enjoyed the post.
Posted by: Martyn | April 17, 2009 at 03:19 PM
Cheers Martyn - enjoyed the comment. 'Britain could ruin Songkhran forever' is a headline for the future somewhere.
Imagine if the Thai old bill turned up to nick Grandma for a Songkhran blessing! Makes you chuckle just thinking about it....
Posted by: Ben Shingleton | April 17, 2009 at 04:15 PM
Ben sorry I haven't been around for a while.
On my feeds new posts from your blog are not showing up.
Clearly I have missed some good reads so I have a bit of catching up to do!
Glad grandma enjoyed Songkarn so much!
Posted by: Mike | April 18, 2009 at 06:24 AM
Hello Mike, sorry my fault should have checked the feed! Yeah Granny enjoyed Songkhran, she got a darn good washing!
Posted by: Ben Shingleton | April 18, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Your post makes me wish I'd been there instead of here in Bangkok.
Next year I will try and make the effort to get out to the country side as the fear of the old ways disappearing is real.
Posted by: Catherine | April 20, 2009 at 03:01 PM
Catherine, why not! I don't envy you for this years Songhran, having to contend with the politics as well as the festivities.
Hopefully we'll have less drama next year - Amazing Thailand - Anything could happen eh!
Posted by: Ben Shingleton | April 20, 2009 at 03:34 PM