As people prepare to celebrate Songkran, this year's festival sees a number of stricter road safety rules and regulations -- from the Section 44 edict requiring all car passengers to buckle up to the ban of water-throwing from the back of pickups along major roads and highways. But the spirit of Songkran has always been high -- and wild. Here we take a look at photos from the Bangkok Post's archives to see how Songkran revellers enjoyed the water war in the past with or without harsh traffic rules enforced.
Youngsters in pickups court danger in Chiang Mai in 1981.
This pickup is carrying over 10 passengers as they get 'ambushed' in Bangkok's Huay Kwang area in 1987.
An ice cream vendor is shown no mercy, way back in 1973.
You may be safe from water inside a car, but the lovely paintwork isn't safe from din sor pong, or talc paste. This was at Wat Phra Sri Mahathat in Bangkok's Bang Khen district.
The face of this police officer in Pattaya back in 1988 was a canvas for Songkran celebrations.
Songkran revellers use din sor pong to smear others in Phra Pradaeng district of Samut Prakan province. Today, the white powder is banned in many areas. BANGKOK POST ARCHIVE
Celebrating Songkran in a lorry in Klong Toey area in 1987. BANGKOK POST ARCHIVE
Splashing a moving train back in 1974.
These children are having the time of their lives in Bangkok in 1981.
