Street vendors have found a new source of revenue for Songkran besides ice and powder: telephone covers.
In Naklua, water fights continued as normal, but many Thais and tourists this year could be seen wearing plastic pouches around their necks containing telephones and other valuables vulnerable to water damage. The waterproof pouches are easier to manage than the larger dry bags that became popular during the Thai New Year five years ago.
Pouches and bags have evolved, with vendors now hawking items with print and “Happy Songkran” and “Songkran Festival Pattaya” emblazoned across them. Not only are they useful, but they serve as a good souvenir of a fun (or frustrating) holiday Most pouches sell for less than 30 baht.
Plastic pouches for keeping valuables dry during Songkran hang for sale among the water guns and other paraphernalia.
