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Gallery: Wet and wild during Songkran in Bangkok
As Bangkokians celebrate the Thai new year, we check out the fun and offer some valuable tips to keep in mind before you step into the fray
Despite the weekend violence that led to Bangkok's official Songkran ceremonies being cancelled, the traditional Thai new year water fights are in full swing in the city this week.
Everyone from protesting red shirts to backpacking tourists are getting in on the Thai new year water fights. Here are a few photos of this year’s Songkran splashing, which will continue through the week. Thinking about joining the fun? Check out our tips to keep in mind before you head into the battle, right after the gallery.
 A Thai man squirts water into the crowd during the Songkran festival to mark Thailand's new year in Bangkok on April 13.  Songkran marks the summer season in Thailand, where families and friends celebrate the festival by visiting temples and splashing water on each other as an act of wishing good luck.  Despite the weekend violence that left 21 dead, protesting red shirts are holding their own Songkran celebrations at the protest sites.  Songkran is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year for Thailand's kids, eager to take part in the nation-wide water fights.  A red shirt anti government protestor sprays water into the crowd during the Songkran festival.  Wiping wet baby powder on fellow Songkran revelers is a big part of the Songkran celebrations, though it's banned on Khao San Road.  On Khao San Road, tourists and Thais are engaging in full-on water fights this week as part of the Songkran holiday.  April is usually Thailand's hottest month of the year, which makes the Songkran water fights a welcome way to beat the heat.  As you'll see in our tips section below, wearing goggles might look ridiculous but at least your eyes will stay clean.  Man vs beast takes on a whole new meaning on Khao San Road.  We think the elephant has the upper hand in this water battle.  Though many tourists were reportedly scared off by Saturday night's clashes between troops and red shirt protesters, those who stuck around were more than eager to take part in the traditional Thai holiday.  Khao San Road and Silom are the two most popular areas for Songkran celebrations, but revelers can be found splashing water on streets all over the city. |
