Phuket kicks off Songkran with Patong parade

PHUKET: Tourists from all parts of Phuket will be “heading over the hill” this evening to enjoy a special Songkran Parade to mark the arrival of the Thai New Year tomorrow.

Featuring entrants representing 28 different groups and organizations, the Patong parade will set off from Phang Muang Sai Kor Road, behind Jungceylon, at 5pm.

The parade will head south to the end of the road, then right onto Prachanukhro Road and right again onto the beach road, ending at Bangla Park at the foot of Soi Bangla, where an official opening ceremony will be held at 6pm.

After the opening will be a number of staged performances and beauty contests for women and girls wearing traditional Thai attire.

People with an aversion to water are suggested to stay away from Soi Bangla this evening, as Songkran water play there usually begins on the Thai New Year’s Eve, which is tonight.

— Atchaa Khamlo