Sane Songkran versus Insane Songkran

My buddy Tom at Isaan-Live, was up bright and early to take some photos and video of the traditional Songkran festivities. This is not the Songkran that you will see in Pattaya or on Khaosan Road in Bangkok.

Songkran Khon Kaen Making Merit

Songkran is a time of year to honor your family elders and your departed ancestors.  It is also a time to make merit and present donations to Buddhist monks.  It is a time for family get-togethers.

It is not a time for drunks armed with water cannons to shoot dirty, ice-cold water at passing motorcyclists.  But, sadly, that is what is degenerated to.  Worse, the Thai government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand actually encourage this type of insane celebrating.

Despite what has been written by the vehicle safety agencies in Thailand, the Thai government doesn’t really care how many people die on the roads during the Seven Danger Days of Songkran.  If they did, they would actually do something about it instead of having “campaigns” to reduce drunken idiots riding on their motorcycles without helmets.

Yes, roadblocks have been set up, the sale of alcohol is supposedly suspended at roadside stores and shops (just go around back), and pleas have been made by local superstars to have a zero accident Songkran.

Well, 29 died on day one of the Seven Dangerous Days and 400 were injured.  Another great campaign by the Thai Government.

I will be going out briefly to a local temple with my wife’s family to make merit and honor my family’s ancestors.  I may get a little wet at the temple, but there will be no dousing of ice-cold water.  It will most likely be a small cup of water poured on my shoulder.

Then we will head back home, lock the gates, and stay where it is safe.  It will be a time to relax, eat and drink with family.

I will take photos of the Songkran traditions at the temple and also some video.  In the meantime, enjoy this Songkran video from my buddy Tom.

Happy Songkran