Songkran Thai New Year Holidays

[DavidFL]

Well folks it's that time of the year again: Water Wars & Songkran Thai New Year.
Now if you don't know already, this is the most dangerous time of the year to be out & about riding a motorbike. Buckets of water get thrown in your face with full force, plus there will be thousands of drunken people – drivers & pedestrians - on the road attempting to navigate in a drunken haze.
Water throwing has probably already started in the small rural villages in the countryside, but in Cnx town it should be in full swing from Saturday 12th until Tuesday 15th, although Wednesday 16th is still a public holiday (in lieu of Sunday) & the kids will still be at it.

So please take extra care, ride safe & get home in one piece.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all.

 

[Pikey]

Yep, had a guy come back from Fang yesterday said he got a bucket of water thrown at him by kids up there - he was doing 50mph at the time....

Another customer today had dodged kids chucking it about whilst coming back from MHS/Pai.

On another note, the cops were out in force today all over the city and targetting big bikes with no plates again.

Cheers,

Pikey.

 

[Rhodie]

Yeah they've already started on the 118 yesterday from Chaing Rai.

in case you are still unaware of what to expect,
here's a gratuitous rerun of an image from last year.

 

[Franz]

Hi Guys, thanks for the warning, here's another one for all of us in Eastern Thailand, like every year the boys in brown will again do several roadblocks in and around Chonburi and Rayong with lots of Alcotesters. So, "don't drink and drive" should also be valid during Songkran !! Enjoy your holidays & stay safe & healthy !! Cheers, Franz

 

[tropicaljohno]

Currently up in Isaan Country

Today there were about a dozen kids having water fights, luckily only with water pistols, so far no buckets. As it was right outside our front door, was going to join in with the hosepipe, but thought that may be cheating a bit.

As David has already mentioned above, take it easy out there on your bike.

Might take Miss Pinky out for a ride, as it could do with a wash....

 

[shanes]

supercross and supermoto on at nakhon on the 16th , supercross racing in the morning with supermoto practice and qualifying the supermoto races will be on in the afternoon .
it looks like its going to be a big turn out in the open class be there if you want to see some great racing

 

[David Learmonth]

Started last Sunday out here in the sticks! MaeChan, MaiSai Chaeng Saen & especially in the villages. Dont expect it to end until next Friday at the earliest. "Phantom" Phil & myself have parked bikes up till its all over. Too dangerous + drink drivers & out of town drivers! Even try to avoid using car unless neccessary.

 

[DavidFL]

The Road Safety Center Friday ended its road toll monitoring throughout the Songkran Festival's so-called "seven dangerous days" and concluded there was a total of
368 deaths and
4,803 injuries in
4, 243 accidents nationwide.

When compared to the same period last year, this year's figures were
31 less accidents,
seven more deaths, and
two less injuries,
said Deputy Prime Minister Sahas Banditkul.

Most accidents resulted from
drunk driving at 40.56 per cent
involved motorcycles at some 82 per cent
and took place during 4pm to 8pm at 32.24 per cent.

Figures to remind us all not to ride at Songkran!

 

[David Learmonth]

Came out of our shells today after a two week self imposed hibernation. Only dodgy moment on the way to Chiang Saen when an "expert" mini bus driver was trying to overtake on a blind bend with other vehicles in front of us!! Usual good welcome & excellent service at "Easy Bar & Restaurant at ChiangKhong! ( & yes David U we are still partaking of American Breakfast!)

 

[DavidFL]

David Learmonth wrote: Came out of our shells today after a two week self imposed hibernation. Only dodgy moment on the way to Chiang Saen when an "expert" mini bus driver was trying to overtake on a blind bend with other vehicles in front of us!! Usual good welcome & excellent service at "Easy Bar & Restaurant at ChiangKhong! ( & yes David U we are still partaking of American Breakfast!)

Good to know you guys are out & about again. I reckon you must having those "American breakfasts' later than me nowadays. Talk about an easy life you Triumph riders are having in the Golden Triangle!

 

[Franz]

"expert minibus drivers" are both to dumb to drive a lorry or a regular bus.........experience this every day..........anyway, went up to CNX on 13th on the F650GS and went back to Rayong on 19th on the old XJ750, could not take even one picture as the air was so hot, blood & heart had to do a very tough job, my hands were shaking like a 80 years old Parkinsons patient......had even troubles to get my d... out and not wetting myself......never had such a busy Songkran but enjoyed it......