The favorite holiday of the Thai people is Songkran, or Thai New Year. It is celebrated from April 13 to 15. In Thailand, these days are days off at the state level, in some organizations New Year's vacation continues until April 16-17. Everyone from small to large goes out. All government offices, schools and kindergartens are closed.
Songkran on Patong Beach
In Phuket, the main hangout for farangs (European tourists) is held on Patong from April 12 to 13. Thai New Year preparations start a week in advance.
Motorbike Show
The Bike Week at Loma Park is the start of the festivities. Jung Ceylon organizes a motorcycle exhibition outside the main shopping mall in Patong Jung Ceylon and selects a Miss Bike beauty queen.
New Year Parade and Concert
April 12, after 5pm, the New Year's Eve parade starts on the main street of Patong Beach. Another hour later, the grand opening of the Ceremony of Songkran On The Beach, off Bangla Road, takes place. It's a festive concert on an outdoor stage in the middle of the beach. For tourists and Thais, artists prepare a grand performance with national songs and dances. The show ends around midnight with a gorgeous fireworks display.
Water Battles on Patong
A traditionally favorite activity for the Thai New Year is dousing oneself with water. From April 12, Bangla Road turns into a real wet battlefield for tourists from European and Asian countries.
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There are water pistols and assault rifles, which can be bought right on the streets from locals. They cost from 60 THB for small pistols to 500 THB for huge guns.
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Saltwater water for guns is also sold by Thais, priced from 5 to 10 THB, depending on volume. It is not worth shooting salt water from the sea, as it causes burning when it comes into contact with the eyes.
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In order to keep your documents and money safe during water fights, you can buy special waterproof handbags for 100 THB. Or you can simply wrap your belongings in a bag.
New Year's Eve in Phuket Town
Local Thais celebrate New Year's Eve mainly in Phuket Town. Here the celebrations are very different, with no foot fights or drunken farangs. The festivities begin on April 13. From the very morning, the city's residents travel by car and motorcycle to Saphan Hin Park. There, they party, douse themselves with water and smear each other with special colors.
Thai celebrations
The Thais divide into two camps during the event. The first group gathers along the roadway, while the second group slowly moves along the road in pickup trucks and motorcycles.
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They engage in a gunfight with water cannons and buckets.
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A special thrill for the guys in the first group is painting the faces of girls on motorcycles.
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The cars take a detour around the park and head back home.
Thai people love Songkran, dousing themselves with water symbolizes cleansing themselves of last year's negativity. And for tourists, it's the most colorful and fun tradition of the Thai New Year.
