Songkran is officially between 13th April and 15th April each year and as the 13th was a Sunday this year, there was an unofficial start in most places on the Saturday, a kind of practice session if you like.
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Songkran 2014 in Udon Thani however was a little different - We had thunder storms and some rain, something that does not normally start for another month or so. So in addition to the cold January, we have had early rain and storms. Maybe there is something in this global warming stuff after all!
As this was on the first day of Songkran, many of the Thai's began to seek refuge, and went home, so the evening was fairly quiet, compared to previous years.
On Tuesday (the 3rd official day), the thunderstorms and rain returned, but this time, as it was the last day, it was not going to dampen the spirits, and the street dancing and water fighting continued until the traditional 10.00pm or so, when it begins to fade, and by 11.00pm the streets are safe to walk again without getting a soaking (unless it is still raining of course).
On a more somber not, as of Sunday night, 800+ traffic accidents were recorded across Thailand but worse still, some 100 or so people had died! I cannot help but think that if this was in any western country, the festival would be banned, but you can be certain that Songkran 2015 will be in full swing, and whatever happened this year will be largely forgotten.