11 APR 2014

Songkran of yesteryear

The Bangkok Post digs into the archives to see how the water-based revelry was celebrated decades ago.

 
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Songkran of yesteryear
™ This photo from April 13, 1961, shows a parade for Phra Buddha Sihing — the god who guards over Chiang Mai — featuring various decorated floats as well as some aspiring beauty queens.
Songkran of yesteryear
™ Splashing buses with buckets of water isn't a new phenomenon, as evidenced in this picture taken on New Petchaburi Road on April 13, 1992.
Songkran of yesteryear
™ Songkran isn't just about beautiful women, as the 'Mr Songkran' bodybuilder contest that took place at Dusit Zoo on April 13, 1977, shows.
Songkran of yesteryear
™ A procession of Songkran beauties in Chiang Mai, April 14, 1988.
Songkran of yesteryear
™ Songkran ladies on their chariots make their way through Chiang Mai on April 13, 1978.
Songkran of yesteryear
™ Beauty is only skin deep. This Chiang Mai grandma takes part in a beauty contest on April 14, 1987.
Songkran of yesteryear
™ A minibus passenger takes it all in good spirit on Ram Intra Road on April 13, 1987.
Songkran of yesteryear
™ This police patrolman is assigned to keep law and order in Bangkok Noi, but a young woman makes sure he doesn't miss out on the fun, on April 14, 1985.
Songkran of yesteryear
™ In this picture from April 13, 1978, an over-enthusiastic Songkran reveller at Sanam Luang is escorted by a policeman to Chanasongkram Police Station to cool (and dry) off.
Songkran of yesteryear
™ A girl's face is smothered in powder in Huai Khwang, April 14, 1988.
Songkran of yesteryear
™ Children from the Din Daeng slums have a splashing good time on April 13, 1973. photos: BANGKOK POST ARCHIVES