Today is the first official day of Songkran 2026.
The weather here in Isaan has been hot as hell.
The gas shortage and price of gas is crimping everyone here.
This year, I had a feeling after numerous water splashing engagements, that people here in rural Isaan just are not as interested in the tradition of Songkran these days?
8 out of 10 people driving by were more concerned about their mobile phones getting wet, than they were with the tradition of having good luck if water is splashed on them.
I felt for the first time ever, we were being mean by completely soaking these people driving by on their motorbikes.
Why is that?
I think it is because these people are driving to and from work, or going to the market to get food for their families. They want to hurry and get back and get out of the hot sun (105f) today.
But some of these people graciously stop and allow themselves to be soaked from head to toe.
Doesn’t matter what kind of clothes they are wearing, just get soaked and move on.
After a while today, I actually felt guilty doing this.
Songkran in the cities and tourist areas are for tourists to have a good time.
Here in rural Isaan, it is the lower working class trying to financially survive day to day.
Somehow, Songkran doesn’t seem to be on their priority list.
With 2 more days of Songkran, we are probably finished with the water splashing.
Times are tough and people are struggling due to the price of gas and the heat.
It is hard to celebrate and feel good, when you are struggling to survive day to day.