Songkran 24 @ Chiang Khong
It was a mixed bag for me, due to apathy & this year's searing heat,
I missed the traditional parade along the river, but managed a few water shots hanging out at Chiang Roy Pub in the main street.
The Thais participate in the traditional ceremonies & the Hmong cruise around having fun, wasting petrol & showing off in the hot cars & pick-ups with nice sound systems.
The traditional Buddha parade.
Families get together & enjoy the fun.
The water throwing seems to get more intense as the years ago by & the Hmong dominate the "pick-up parade" driving around town throwing water.
Some people seem to throw water with a vengeance & delight in the water battle with everyone else.
Mum & daughter out for some shopping.
Some hot young Hmong chics attract attention, and get it.
I thought 90% of the pick-ups driving round were Hmong & noted that there were very few men in them throwing water.
Mainly young teenage girls.
I asked a friend how come there are so few Hmong guys compared to the females.
Oh that's because the males are all in Israel working in agriculture getting 40-50,000 baht a month!
I commented on the age & sexiness of the young Hmong girls & the reply was "Sao Korea."
Too much Tik Tok I thought?
Despite the water mayhem, there's still respect for seniors out & about.
Some Chiang Khong identities having fun.
Braving the elements & water.
Ready for action.
The Chiang Roy bar staff played respectfully.
Hmong gals excited to meet the Chiang Roy lads.
Across the street it was more raucas at Tui's massage & gang.
Some Hmong gals come out of a soi & get the polite Chiang Roy treatment.
Peace & it's time to go home.
The water throwing rocked again this year & seems to be more intense.
I never saw any accidents or mishaps & generally stayed low, not wanting to become another statistc at the most dangereous time of the year - drunken revelrie, speed & wet roads. "Only 243" killed on the roads this time round.
Road accidents killed 243 people and injured 1,837 others during the six days of the Songkran festival holiday.
www.bangkokpost.com
Songkran really is something everyone should experience at least once, twice, thrice... in their life.
It is fantastic for photography if you can keep your gear dry.
Its also fantastic for socialising & making you new friends.
It also amazes me that I saw no brawls or disagreements despite the excessive alcohol consumption over several days.
The real winners of the festival must be booze companies & the petrol stations perhaps.
To be continued...