The annual Songkran festival, which heralds the traditional beginning of the Thai New Year, begins today throughout the country. Locally, however, the official celebrations take place nearly a week later, on April 18 in Naklua and April 19 in Pattaya.
Pattaya turns on the spigots for Songkran
Love it or hate it, Songkran is here again and area officials have finalized schedules for the “official” water-throwing days and cultural events of the Thai New Year celebration.
While you can expect to be soaked pretty much everywhere in downtown Pattaya starting from April 13, the city’s official “wan lai” (water sprinkling days) are again set for April 18 in Naklua and April 19 in Pattaya. Chonburi gets wet April 13-15; Bang Saen, Bang Pra, and Sriracha April 16-17 and Sattahip on April 20.
The annual Songkran festival, which heralds the traditional beginning of the Thai New Year, begins today throughout the country. Locally, however, the official celebrations take place nearly a week later, on April 18 in Naklua and April 19 in Pattaya.
In Naklua, festivities kick off April 18 at 7 a.m. with an alms offering to 90 monks at Lan Po Public Park, followed by sprinkling of water on Buddha figures and senior citizens and, at 10 a.m., a Buddhist parade with students from Pattaya public schools participating that runs from Lan Po to Sawang Fah Road to the Sawang Boriboon Foundation office and back again.
Songkran fun begins today and runs through April 20.
The next morning, similar ceremonies begin at Chaimongkol Temple at 10 a.m. with a short parade on South Road to Walking Street and back at noon.
Beach activities run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., including shopping and food booths. City officials also made their usual – and usually ignored – announcement forbidding PVC water pipe guns and glass containers. Water trucks will be provided for revelers on Naklua Road.
The more-sedate rice festival will take place in Naklua on April 20, with the devout offering various dishes to ghosts and spirits. The afternoon event also features games and cultural shows with the actual ceremony commencing at 6 p.m.
Traffic will be closed in Naklua on Naklua Road to the Dolphin Roundabout on April 18 and Beach Road in Pattaya will be closed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the 19th. Parking will be offered at Pattaya School No. 8 and area hotels.
