Songkran 2024 in Pattaya: Water, Culture, and Confusion

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The recent announcement by the Thai Government declaring this year's Songkran festival to be the most significant ever has elicited a mix of excitement and apprehension among Thai expats. The heightened attention to Songkran, following UNESCO's recognition of the festival as a cultural world heritage event, aims to elevate its global appeal as a tourist attraction. This news, extensively reported in various media outlets, has sparked a wave of reactions, particularly due to the misconception that the celebration, traditionally marked by water throwing, would last an unprecedented 21 days across Thailand.
Songkran, the Thai New Year, is not just Thailand's most significant holiday but also a deeply cultural and religious event. Known internationally as the water festival, it's a time when Thais, particularly those working away from home, often in places like Bangkok, journey back to their home provinces to reunite with families. This period offers the longest holiday break in the Thai calendar, and its cultural richness extends beyond mere celebration.
The festival is famous for its playful water fights, vibrant concerts, and lively parties, especially in tourist-heavy areas. However, Thai officials tend to underplay this aspect, focusing more on the traditional and religious elements. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Songkran saw a significant shift. The 2020 festival was canceled, and in 2021 and 2022, restrictions were placed on water-related activities, permitting only religious functions. This change was welcomed by some who prefer the traditional essence of Songkran over its more boisterous celebrations, even though the water-throwing festivities are particularly popular among tourists, social media influencers, and the younger crowd.
Last year marked the return of water festivities, a trend that will continue into this year's celebration. Notably, Thailand is openly promoting these aspects, recognizing their appeal to tourists. However, for residents and full-time workers, especially in Pattaya, where water festivities can extend for about a week, this period can be challenging.
Despite initial concerns, the extended duration of Songkran is not unprecedented. Different regions in Thailand have traditionally celebrated the festival on varying dates for decades, with Pattaya's main celebration falling on April 19th. This timing is strategically set to boost domestic tourism following the official national days. These national days, from April 13th to 15th, with public holidays extending to the 16th, will remain unchanged. Pattaya's festivities are expected to span from April 12th to about the 19th.
The concept of extending Songkran to 21 days, from April 1st to the 21st, should not be misunderstood as a continuous stretch of water festivities. Instead, it's akin to the Christmas season, where the festive mood is set through decorations, music, and cultural presentations throughout the month. Similarly, Songkran's extended period is designed to showcase a variety of events across Thailand, primarily focused on religious, cultural, and traditional heritage aspects.
Thai officials have clarified that water play will be restricted to the official days and not throughout the three-week period. This clarification should alleviate concerns about a prolonged period of water throwing across the country. While many expats and regular readers may prefer to stay indoors or leave Thailand during the festival, it continues to attract a large number of tourists, both domestic and foreign, drawn by its unique blend of cultural heritage and festive fun.

[@Bunnasoeung]

How come you streamed Cambodia's Angkor Wat pic?

[@maegalroammis6020]

i don't get the point to threw water on other unknown people