The traditional Buddihst Songkran

[Londoner]

Has anyone been fortunate enough to experience the traditional ceremonies for Songkran, still practised in many areas of the country?  I find the visits to elderly relatives, the sprinkling of water and the delight  that is visible on the faces of the recipients  touching....if only  we showed similar respect here in the UK.

 

[PeterRS]

12 hours ago, Londoner said:

the sprinkling of water

I had friends from Vietnam here in Bangkok. It may well be different up country but the use of mega-water guns here was common as was throwing buckets of ice-cold water over strangers. Hardly 'touching'! 

[Londoner]

It may be that I have become sentimental in  my old age and find myself much more comfortable with the "old" Thai culture. Or perhaps it  is because, in 1997,   I received a bucket of iced-water in my face while traveling on the Jomtien bus traveling at 30mph and have avoided Songkran ever since. 

Similarly, the traditional practice of making- not buying- kratongs, which I know took a lot of time and effort,  appealed to be more than dangerous fireworks on Pattaya beach.

But I suppose that's age too.

[iendo]

The sprikeling of water is not what i am seeing here in Pattaya.

Whole buckets of water straight to the face while riding a motorbike. Dangerous stuff.

Ohhh, almost over and back to low season.

Lovely!