Its Songkran in Pattaya again, and that means at least 7 straight days of the locals and tourists going mad. Being longtime expats ourselves we tend to stay out of the water fights in Pattaya (until the last and biggest day) which can be very tedious as the rest of the town has entirely different plans.
Here’s some tips and pointers for staying alive and sane in Songkran in Pattaya 2012.
1. Its a party everywhere. Deal with it.
No amount of pleading or arguing will save you from getting drenched. This has become a lot more unpleasant in recent years as ice water is being used all week but there’s nothing you can do. When you leave your home just accept that its a water fight everywhere and that if you’re on a motorbike or get out of your car you’re going to get wet.
What Thais are like during Songkran in Pattaya
What tourists are like during Songkran in Pattaya
The general rule is if you don’t want to get soaked to the skin, don’t leave your house.
2. Drive carefully.
Some Thais and tourists won’t think twice about throwing gallons of water at you while you’re cruising along at 60KPH on your motorbike. Just assume that everyone (more than usual) everywhere is trying to kill you.
Its a lot better to get drenched in ice water than lose control of your bike. We guarantee the emergency room at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital is already at capacity.
3. Don’t drive drunk.
The Thai police may not consider water thrown into traffic something worthy of stopping but they’re absolutely cracking down on drunk driving this year. Don’t tempt fate on this, the consequences aren’t pretty.
4. Put your valuables in a plastic bag.
Lots of people have their cellphones ruined when a bucket of water is dropped over their heads. Be smart and keep your wallet, phone, and anything else you’re carrying sealed in plastic bags.
5. Keep your cool.
Its frustrating to see a country shut down in gridlock for a week and scratch their collective heads in confusion over the casualties the festival causes. Just remember, its their country. Its ok to compare notes over beers with your Western expat friends on the handful of things they could do to make it safe and fun for everyone but not a thing is going to change.
Real expats keep their cool no matter what Songkran throws at them
Just go with the flow and Songkran in Pattaya will be over soon enough.
[...] Wow, that was a rough weekend but we can finally sell alcohol again. Stop by late tonight for a drink while things are still civilized before Songkran starts here in Pattaya. [...]