Pattaya City officials announce Songkran extended until April 30th, water play until 10PM

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Pattaya City Officials announced this week in a meeting at City Hall attended by both Banglamung district officials, police and the mayor that to encourage and boost tourism in the city the Songkran Festival for Pattaya will be extended from April 12th-April 19th to April 12th-April 30th. Additionally, historically the water wars stop at around sunset, however, to further boost tourism and drive the reputation of Pattaya as “The fun city” the water fighting will be permitted to continue until 10:00PM.

Pattaya City hall stated the following to The Pattaya News in a formal statement:

“We believe that by encouraging more tourists to come to Pattaya and driving the reputation of Pattaya as a world class “Fun City” on the level of Las Vegas and New Orleans in America we will boost overall tourism numbers by roughly 35% and bring an estimated further 700 million baht alone to the Pattaya economy. These funds we can utilize later in the year to provide better roads and complete the beach beautification project. Additionally, these funds can be used to assist in dealing with numerous waste management and trash related issues that have plagued the city for the past several months. It is a win-win for all involved.”

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City officials further stated that they are planning several unique events this year for Pattaya City to further encourage “Fun”.  They have also confirmed that in coordination with the government Pattaya has an official exception for allowing water play on main and secondary roads.

The events outlined at the meeting for the now nearly month long festival include the following:

-City sponsored water soaking stations on all major roads, including the highway and in the dark side as the city wants to encourage expats to get into the spirt of Songkran.

-Water soaking stations, sponsored by the city and manned by volunteers and city officials in front of most major supermarket entrances, banks and hospitals to ensure that everyone, including those not in the party areas, enjoy the spirit of Songkran.

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-7-11 has stated that they will be participating in the month long festival as well by having a designated employee at the door soaking every person entering and leaving the store, regardless if they are dressed for the occasion as well in collaboration with City Hall.

-The city will have sponsored water wars on Soi 7 between different groups of tourists. Some planned events include French vs. German tourists, Americans vs. English, Indians vs. Arabs and Russia vs. China.

-Instead of the official flower shirt for the city the city officials are encouraging men to go shirtless and wear official flowered thongs. The thongs should be available at all markets midweek.

If the event is a success City officials have stated that they are looking at expanding Songkran even further, perhaps to a monthly week long event to boost tourism.

Oh…and Happy April Fools, folks.

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Source - ThePattayaNews

 

Bangkok - Songkran: Six main roads closed for water fighting festivities

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Despite official announcements that Songkran is supposed to be less riotous this year due to the mourning period for the late king, six roads will still be closed off for more restrained water-fighting celebrations. 

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The other surprising directive that has been announced for this year’s celebrations is that it has to be less sexy, with both sexy dance moves and sexy clothes being banned although how they are going to define sexiness and enforce a ban on it remains to be seen. 

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Let’s see how toned down the shenanigans are on the roads that have been designated for celebrating: Khaosan, Chakkra Phong, Bowonniwet, Sib Sam Hang, Tanao, and Silom.

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The Royal Gazette announced yesterday that those roads will be closed to all vehicles from noon until midnight on April 13-15. Khaosan, one of the major water fighting destinations for both Thais and foreigners, will also close today from noon until midnight for water fighting.

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The temporary regulations also ban pickup trucks from carrying water tanks and partiers and any vehicle that plays very loud music from April 13-15.

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Thailand - What means Songkran

Songkran means: Thai New Year / Water-Festival / Family Days.

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 Songkran is the occasion for family re-unions, temple visits and annual house cleaning. Many Thais observe the holidays by spending time with families and friends. Traditionally, Thais perform the Rod Nam Dum Hua ritual on the first day of Songkran, which is officially the National Elderly Day.
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During the ritual, young people would pour fragrant water into the elders’ palms as a gesture of humility and to ask for their blessings. The second day of Songkran is officially the National Family Day.
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Families would wake up early and give alms to the monks, then ideally the rest of the day would be spent sharing quality family time together. An important religious ritual on Songkran is ‘Bathing the Buddha image’, in which devout Buddhists pour fragrant water over Buddha statues both at the temple and at home. More religious Thais would engage themselves in Buddhist ceremonies and merit-making activities throughout the holidays.
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Water as Symbolism Contradictory to what you may have witnessed throughout Songkran, fun-loving Thais don’t just throw water at each other for no good reason (besides having a kick out of seeing other people soaking wet).
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The real meaning behind the splashes is to symbolically wash off all misfortunes in the past year, thus welcoming the new year with a fresh new start. Traditionally, Thais would politely pour a bowl of water on members of the family, their close friends and neighbours.
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As Songkran has taken a more festive note, a bowl becomes a bucket, garden hose and water guns, and the spirit of holiday merriment is shared amongst all town residents and tourists alike.
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Songkran in Thailand is officially observed between the 13th and 15th of April (three days national holiday), although in reality, celebrations often last the entire week!

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PS 

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In all the cities in Thailand celebrate people the Songkran.

Especially around the tourist areas and bars.

You see business people foret their jobs and the real world and celebrate with all the locals.

All get wet / very wet.

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 Tip / Warning

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When you walk daily on the streets you get really wet.

Put your belongings, like mobiles in a plastic-bag. 

On the streets you can buy special Songkran-bags.

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ENJOY YOUR SONGKRAN HOLIDAYS.

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Soldiers and municipal workers clean up Khao San Road area after #Songkran

 

Soldiers and municipal workers clean up Khao San Road area after #Songkran

 

 

 

Some pictures from: BangkokPost

 

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#SONGKRAN "You Get Wet"

"SONGKRAN" Thai New Year (Water Festival) from 13 until 15 April.

#SONGKRAN "You Get Wet"

Every new season inspires new experiences.
Cut the never-ending anticipation for summer short by jet-setting in April – think of it as an appetizer to your upcoming summer vacation, or perhaps the sweet dessert to your winter excursion.
Either way, whether you’re looking to eat your way through the culinary sensations of Nai Harn beach or treat your ears to timeless Shopping in Phuket Town,
your excitement will be budding like the trees outside.

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  As the New Year begins...
May it bring happiness and prosperity...
to you and your loved ones.

 HAPPY SONGKRAN!