Thailand is a land of cultural diversity and the Thai New year, or Songkran, is one of the major cultural events on the festival’s calendar. As an homage to age-old traditions, as well as to join in on the fun, here are must-have items available at stores and markets nationwide to help you blend in with the locals
KOR KRACHAO
Thai ladies traditionally wear this round neck sleeveless top known as kor krachao to keep cool in Thailand’s year-round tropical heat. Although no longer an item of choice in the modern wardrobe, there are stíll romantics out there still keen to wear the traditional getup.
DINSOR PONG
Nothing spells Songkran more than a crowd of people with white clay in fragrant water or dinsor pong daubed onto their clothing and faces. In the spirit of Songkran, this act encapsulates the friendly nature of Thais and their innate spirit of fun.
SUA GUI HENG
The conservative festival goers tend to opt for the more traditional look, wearing a sua gui heng (round neck linen shirt) for the sake of tradition and also to appear less conspicuous to the water throwers!
SUA LAI DOK
In the weeks leading up to Songkran, some of the men will wear the obligatory loud floral print Hawaiian shirts or sua lai dok that scream fun!
FLORAL-SCENTED WATER
Children pouring jasmine-scented water on the hands of the elderly is a Songkran tradition known as “Rod Naam Dum Hua”. As a mark of respect for the elderly, they ask for forgiveness for their past misdeeds and wish them good health. The elderly reciprocate by offering their blessings.
Credit to Bella Luna and jcomp
