Thailand swelters under the Songkran sun

Temperatures are soaring around the country, right on time, as the Songkran holiday kicks in. People are heading home for the annual Thai New Year break whilst the tourists are flooding into the main hot spots for the water fights.

The annual celebration is meant to provide a ritual washing of Buddha images, ‘gentle’ splashing of family and friends and an ushering in of the country’s wet season. But in recent decades the ‘gentle’ splashing has ramped up and turned into massive water fights in many parts of the country. Tomorrow there will little chance of remaining dry if you venture outside.

Here are a few survival tips for Songkran HERE.

As the temperature rose to 42°C in Lampang and Tak, several other provinces cited 41-40°C yesterday morning, the Thai Meteorological Department warned residents in the north, northeast, centre and east of very hot weather with possible Songkran storms between April 13-17.

“People must beware of stormy weather and gusty wind and stay away from big trees and unsecured billboards, the agency said.

At 5am today the temperature was forecast for Loei and Kanchanaburi at 41°C while Mae Hong Son, Nan, Phetchabun, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani and Nakhon Sawan were set for 40°C.

Bangkok will reach 37°C whilst Phuket will be hot and humid with 33°C and a sweaty evening only getting down to 27°C. Chiang Mai will swelter in 40°C heat.

Songkran, for real, starts tomorrow although expect some early starters to get the water pistols out this afternoon and tonight in places like Khao San Road in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Bangla Road in Phuket.