Chris:
It's common knowledge that Songkraan has deteriorated into a parody of
what it should be and I'm the first to lament that fact, and avoiding
the water can be a damn nuisance, but there is no use us Farangs
thinking that we can change the way that Thai people do things. Sense
of moderation ? sorry, but I don't think there is such a phrase in the
Thai language. Thai's will continue to run *their* country and *their*
lives the way they want to, regardless of what farangs who don't like
it say, If we don't like Songkraan it's up to *us* to make suitable
arrangements to avoid the water mayhem in the way that some sct'rs have
done this year. Any change to Thai behaviour in regard to Songkraan, or
to anything else for that matter, will come from within Thai society
itself, for their own reasons, and not from any sense of concern for
what we blow in visitors think.
The road toll, of course it's tragic, up to 441 dead as I write, but
don't forget it's even worse at "Farang New Year", when there is not a
water gun in sight, ban that perhaps? This is an enormous problem for
Thai society that will only be alleviated by a huge shift in Thai
thinking and attitudes (is that even possible?) and the advent of a
real police force. I see there are already moves to clamp down ( ah
yes, that well known Western phrase) on Songkraan next year, what is
the saying? "Be careful you may just get what you wish for"
The free and easy going uncontrolled, unregulated Thai way of life is a
big part of why most Farangs love living here,sick and tired of PC and
diminishing freedoms in our own countries
Long may it last, albeit with less death on the nation's roads
Sandy
Huay Khwaang
|