ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE FOR THE EXPAT IN ALL OF US What’s happening, and might be happening, in and around Hua Hin
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Wet and Wild! Songkran soaking an antidote to woes
hua hin, thailand This year, more than any previous year, it seems that the Thai people need to show themselves and the world that they are still the fun loving, beautiful people that most visitors flock here to experience. Songkran has always been the classic embodiment of that, and it must be hoped that the ongoing political and social dramas do not impinge on it; however it seems almost inevitable that they will, although maybe limited to people using red or yellow buckets? Everyone needs a release from the tensions in the capital, and the stiflingly hot weather that is common in the run up to Songkran. No doubt many will come to Hua Hin, as both a seaside escape from the even hotter Bangkok and a place they can feel closer to their beloved monarch. The hopes are that the red shirt
by an extra day, so it now runs from Tuesday 13th April to Friday 16th April, with the Tuesday being the Thai New Year’s Day. As with the Western New Year, the roads are a dangerous place to be over Songkran, as many people male the long trips home and back, and the inevitable consumption of alcohol accompanies the festivities, so as always, be careful out there. Continued on page 2
rally will diminish as Songkran approaches, with those involved drifting back to their homes to spend the holiday with their families. The water throwing period is much shorter in Hua Hin than in some other provinces and most people respect the period designated by the authorities here, which is normally allowed during the day before sundown. This year the official public holiday has been extended
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9 April 10
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