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**feannigvogten** · 09-22-2012, 03:49 AM

Thais flock to Bangkok for Songkran festival despite SARS fears

By Indochina Correspondent Sarosha Pornudomsak

Thailand celebrated its traditional New Year's Festival over the weekend amidst fears of a SARS outbreak in the country, but the virus did not prevent locals from enjoying their holiday.

The kingdom is a predominantly Buddhist country and Thais celebrate the yearly Songkran festival by turning up in front of the Royal Palace for merit-making.

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But the real fun starts in the afternoon, when tens of thousands take to the streets for the customary water splashing.

According to history, ancient Thais sprinkled water on each other to ease the scorching heat of the summer months.

Nowadays, the ritual has taken a more aggressive turn.

Thais and foreigners alike attack each other with water from their hoses and water guns.

Bottled water, sold at around 10 cents a piece, provide unlimited ammunition for festival-goers.

And despite the police ban on the use of powdered water, many still did not cease from trying.

From the number of people who flocked to central Bangkok to join in the festivities over the weekend, it is obvious that the SARS virus is far from their minds.

Many say they are reassured by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's guarantee that the country is safe.

And whether or not it is because of the Prime Minister's assurances, SARS has definitely not hampered Songkran festivities in the Thai capital.

09-22-2012, 03:49 AM	#22
feannigvogten Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 412 Senior Member	Thais flock to Bangkok for Songkran festival despite SARS fears By Indochina Correspondent Sarosha Pornudomsak Thailand celebrated its traditional New Year's Festival over the weekend amidst fears of a SARS outbreak in the country, but the virus did not prevent locals from enjoying their holiday. The kingdom is a predominantly Buddhist country and Thais celebrate the yearly Songkran festival by turning up in front of the Royal Palace for merit-making. Advertisement But the real fun starts in the afternoon, when tens of thousands take to the streets for the customary water splashing. According to history, ancient Thais sprinkled water on each other to ease the scorching heat of the summer months. Nowadays, the ritual has taken a more aggressive turn. Thais and foreigners alike attack each other with water from their hoses and water guns. Bottled water, sold at around 10 cents a piece, provide unlimited ammunition for festival-goers. And despite the police ban on the use of powdered water, many still did not cease from trying. From the number of people who flocked to central Bangkok to join in the festivities over the weekend, it is obvious that the SARS virus is far from their minds. Many say they are reassured by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's guarantee that the country is safe. And whether or not it is because of the Prime Minister's assurances, SARS has definitely not hampered Songkran festivities in the Thai capital.
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