There are principally two types of ambush awaiting you. The static trap where the perpetrators lie in wait in front of a house or shophouse from where a continuous supply of water is available and the mobile ambush where the water is kept in a large container (usually a 220 litre oil drum) on the bed of a pick-up. The latter needs replenishing frequently. It is virtually impossible to avoid both unless you stay in the safety of your vehicle cab (or don't leave home!).



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The static trap may be spotted (unless it's raining) by the signs of water on the pavement surface. Even safely cocooned in the vehicle cab, great care has to be taken as unprotected motorcyclist are liable to swerve in an attempt to avoid the majority of the water being thrown. Also, the young (and old) men who organise the trap are very likely to be very drunk (whatever the time of day or night).


The mobile ambushes are more difficult to avoid as there are literally hundreds of them travelling both ways along virtually all the town's roads and sois. There could be up to two dozen people on the pick-up bed and it's quite a sight to see two "well tooled up" vehicles driving in different directions and the quantity of water which is exchanged as they pass. The normally accepted speed for the vehicles is between 5 and 20 kph.


It is advisable to keep electronic equipment (cameras, handphones, etc) and wallets or other valuables in sealed plastic bags if you decide to venture from home during Songkhran.




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