While Bangkok was facing demonstrations and unrest, in Samui, everything was very peaceful. Songkran was celebrated in the same style as in previous years.
On Sunday 12th, eve of Songkran, our regulars from our Choeng Mon branch came down to Viking Bar in Soi Green Mango to celebrate Songkran. As early as 8pm, the bars in Soi Green Mango started the tradition set in Samui by splashing everyone with water.
The amusing scene was that guarding Viking Bar front was mainly guys while the bars opposite was mainly girls. It was almost like a ‘war of the sexes’.
We thought we would be kind and not use ice in our water tubs. However, after several attacks of ice cold water, we changed tactics and placed ice into our tubs as well. Everyone was feeling the icy cold shivers when splashed with water.
A few small incidents happen as some passerby did not want to participate but was caught in the water war. But then again, why walk down Soi Green Mango if you do not wish to get wet!
On Songkran day, 13th, traffic was almost at a standstill in Chaweng. But in Bang Rak area, there were only pockets of crowds, hence, traffic was smooth flowing.
The water war ended on the 13th night and everything returned to normal on the 14th. One would never have thought that so much water was used just in 1.5 days. It was also very lucky that both days were hot and sunny.