The water fights are continuing in Thailand for the second day in a row. At least three more days to go of this mayhem on the streets. Then, next weekend, the Mon people in Thailand celebrate their own Songkran so everything starts again. In Samut Prakan, our Mon community is mainly in Phra Pradaeng. I went there a couple years back to take pictures of their celebrations. Today I want to share with you these two pictures. A girl out riding on her bicycle is stopped by the guy wearing the red shirt. You can see by her hair that this is the first time today for her. She smiles because she knows resistance is futile. Seconds later she is drenched. Personally I think she got off lightly. It could have been a lot worse. This same scene is being repeated all over the country at the moment. Traditionally you are supposed to sprinkle water on your elders as a mark of respect. But things are getting out of hand these days with the water fights being the main feature. However, you still do get some people coming up to you to ask permission first before pouring water on you or putting some white powder on your face. I had one guy come up to me, who was clearly drunk despite the early hour, who then poured some icy cold water down my neck and then shouted, “Welcome to Thailand!” Thanks. Happy Songkran to you too! If you cannot beat them then join them. The alternative is to sulk and hide out in your apartment for the next five days.

I have already written a lot about Songkran in Thailand. Follow these links for some of my past blogs:

• Some Tips for Enjoying Songkran
• Happy Songkran!
• Nang Songkran and her Parade
• The Water Fights Continue
• Songkran at Ancient City
• Day Three of the Water Fights!
• Building Sandcastles in the Temple
• The Fourth Day of Songkran
• Building Sand Pagodas
• Sand Stupas on the Beach
• The Songkran Parade
• Making Merit for Songkran
• Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival

A lot more about Songkran can be found at our sister blogs at www.ThailandLife.com .

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