Songkran is the name for Thai new year which is held each year between 13-15th of April. The word Songkran is taken from Sanskrit meaning  a move or change, and was originally set by astrological calculation. It is celebrated in Loas,  Cambodia and Myanmar too where it is known as ‘pee mai loa’  ,’ Chaul Chnam Thmey’ and respectively.

Modern day Thai New Year means for many who visit Thailand the worlds largest water fight. It is a national public holiday and the festival lasts for 3 days in most places around the country, though it seems to last longer in the tourist resorts such as Pattaya. Many Thai’s go and visit their family and will take time to visit a temple.

Songkran is celebrated in Isaan with the same vigour as any where else, and here in Surin the foreign community love to take part in the events. This year at the Leelawadee Gardens we had a fancy dress party on the 13th, where all were encouraged to dress as Ladyboys ( Katoey). Many of our friends traveled up from Pattaya and Bangkok, and joined in the fun. In the evening we all went up to the Harley Bar where we enjoyed Paul and Nuengs hospitality plus a free BBQ.