Drought or not, Songkran continues for the sake of tourism
Thailand is experiencing its worst drought in 20 years. Farmers are asked to save water and, if necessary, to let the harvest go to waste. Nevertheless, the Thai New Year's party with water throwing (Songkran) continues. Tourism is apparently more important to the military rulers than the lack of water.
The Thai Ministry of Tourism was instructed to put the drought in perspective for tourists, so that no one would change their holiday plans for fear of a water shortage. This involves hundreds of millions of euros in income that the tourism sector would otherwise miss out on. In total, about half a million visitors are expected for the festival.
Environmentalists say it is inappropriate to allow Songkran to continue this year as more than half of its 77 provinces are suffering from the worst drought in two decades. They want solidarity for farmers, who have been forced by the authorities to limit their water use due to the drought. Tap water has already been shut off in some areas.
The government does not get any further than calling on parents to teach their children to use water sparingly and not spray it around for three days. Opponents of the festival believe that the government has not got its priorities right. There are strict rules for women and transgender people who dress too scantily. They can be arrested for that.
Bangkok is taking measures on its own to limit water use. For example, there is a curfew for water fights after 21.00 p.m. and the festival is limited to three days. The capital hopes to save up to 5 billion liters of water.
In the tourist resort of Ayutthaya, with its famous ruins of the ancient kingdom of the same name, they try to save water in a very special way. They say they are training elephants to use less water at the festivities and to target people better so that less water is wasted.
Source: NOS
Most tourists I know stay away because of this
Song tap. The foreigners living in Thailand,
stay or stay indoors or go to Bali or the Philippines for a week to escape Songkran.
Indeed Tak, I have been living here for almost 21 years now and I keep fleeing this childish water festival.
The Thais make a drama of it, because a Songkran without water is not a Sonkran for them.
Given the drought, one could safely impose restrictions on the intensity with which one can celebrate Songkran. I think that every tourist who has a little sense understands this completely. To even ask farmers to save water and, if necessary, to buy a total loss of the harvest, is really stupidity beyond measure. When it comes to a possible compensation later, I would like to know how this military government intends to solve this. Moreover, if the military suddenly finds tourism so important, I do not understand many measures that have been applied by the same military, which have persuaded many tourists to stay away.
I've never been to Thailand with this party so I don't know much about what it's like in real life. I thought this was really a party for the Thai and to a lesser extent for the tourist. The Thai thinks that water should be thrown and many tourists stay at home and wait for all that water. Of course we see the images from Pattaya where some tourists in such a bag holder run around their clock and hammer action with a water pistol, but I think those are the images that make the news.
The vast majority of people participating in this water-waste madness are of Thai origin. Foreigners also participate in the tourist spots because you cannot escape it on those days, unless you lock yourself up, but you don't go on holiday for that. Perhaps there are also foreigners who find this wonderful. I've seen them in all shapes and sizes. It is only logical that the government also has an eye for the income of the people who (can) earn a good living from this. It is a weighing of interests and afterwards it will become clear whether this is overdone or not.
However, as a government I would have a total ban imposed in those places where there is insufficient water. Wasting water, if it is still there in places of scarcity or lack, is really not acceptable.
Don't think it's wise to let Songkran continue.
It is a moral and solidarity obligation to ban it this year.
Lion.
Last year I celebrated Songkran for the first time in Thailand in the village where my wife comes from. Then people threw water at the passers-by from 3 days before the actual feast. I thought that was so fantastic that I decided to celebrate it again this year. I already booked my trip in November, so I didn't know anything about the current drought…
Today was the last day before Songkran. I have to tell you that I have not seen anyone throw water…
In line with an earlier response, I can say that I also know Westerners who prefer to avoid Songkran
But what is the first thing Westerners look up to in high temperatures, like 40 degrees here???.
Most foreigners I know (and who live here) stay at home during this party thing. The tourist who is here during Songkran happily joins in the water throwing. Had hoped that measures would be taken, but am afraid that it will be just as big (or bigger) as previous years, so a lot of water wastage. Originally, the intention is a little bit of water on the shoulder and nothing else. I have experienced it myself once and it was impressive. But throwing buckets of (dirty) water or ice water just isn't fun anymore, especially when you're riding a motorcycle. Anyway… the party must go on… and the water throwing will erupt in full force, regardless of the harrowing shortage and the drought
Here in Yala it is celebrated on a very small scale and only by the Buddhists. As a rule, the Muslims do not celebrate it, which means that it remains nice and quiet. We've had enough rain the last few days so I'm not waiting for another wet suit.
Now if (most of) you keep an eye on the Thai news or the daily state reports. Is there really a strict advice from the state? This includes 2 possibilities: 1. Traditionally, only pour a small bowl of water over the hands. Just as the Buddha images are “washed” and it was traditionally done in the old days or 2.: to use a plant sprinkler. It remains difficult to ban so many millions of people from their New Year's vicissitudes. Most of you think of a water throw party once a year. But the real celebration is to usher in the new year (Buddhist) and undergo some kind of New Year's cleaning ritual. A ban on the tradition is practically impossible and impracticable.
Here, where I live, the water has only been thrown for half a day. Every year on the 17th of April from 1200 to 1700, then it's over. In the morning you can still shop quietly, to possibly buy a water gun, and all shops and shops close at twelve. Party over.