The expats aren't always right dtaai-maai - they've just seen more of the carnage Songkran brings with it than tourists have.dtaai-maai wrote:Can't abide this condescending attitude to tourists. I imagine there is a significantly higher proportion of self-indulgent, under-occupied, viagra-raddled idiots among the expat population than the tourists. And so many expats seem to think that living here for a few years gives them some special insight into the Thai psyche, but most of what I see on here is regurgitated pseudo psycho-babble about 'face' and the like.
Of course, even expats are entitled to an opinion. I just wish they weren't always so convinced they're right.
I loved Songkran too on my first visit, and for the first couple of years as an expat. As mentioned already it's still fine on the first day until the procession is over and the LaoKao starts to kick in.
All people are saying is that is when to head for home - because some Thais, for all their good points, just go wild at Songkran.
And with respect expats probably tend to pay more attention to the local media than tourists do, and know very well the number of road deaths in particular that Songkran brings. Far from being clever, it sickens people to see the deaths happen year after year while very little seems to be done to try to curb the drink driving.
Big stink going on here about it. I'll try to find the article(s) later but have a look at the Post and Nation and should be something there. Pete 
