To wet or not too wet

That time of year has come upon us again, when everyone rushes up to Big C and Tesco Lotus to buy the last of the water pistols. If you are savvy enough, you would have brought some over from your homeland as the Thai types are designed to last about six hours…if you’re lucky.

If you’ve never experienced the Songkran festival before, get ready for a blast of ice cold water, itchy talcum powder, followed by more of the same to celebrate the Thai New Year. Officially in Samui it is just the day of the 13th April, but be aware on the night of the 12th as you may well get targeted by the lovely ladies in the Samui bars.

It can be great fun when the whole island virtually comes to a standstill with the sheer amount of trucks taking tours making as many people as wet as possible. If the sun is shining it is a welcome relief to get soaked, but stay clear of the ice factories as their water is extra, extra cold.

Every year I see many tourists walking down the street during this time demanding not to get soaked. It does slightly annoy me as this is their country and their New Year, and their celebrations should be respected although it can sometimes get out of control.

If you do venture out make sure that anything you don’t want to get wet stays in your hotel room, including the wife and kids! Use a little plastic bag to conceal your money and above all, make sure you take your common sense, as the Thais can sometimes go a little over the top this time of year.