Songkran has Lost its Luster

THE FOLLOWING IS A REPRINT OF TODAY EDITORIAL IN "THE BANGKOK POST" TO WHICH I AGREE 100 PERCENT.

As thousands head to the provinces on the eve of Songkran, spare a thought for the police, hospital workers and the many volunteers at aid stations who have given up their own holidays to keep others safe and able to enjoy the traditional Thai new year.

It is the time of year they dread most because the huge numbers of people leaving the cities all too often translate into carnage on the highways, and they know that many travelers will never reach their hometown or holiday destination. Instead, they will end their journeys as road accident statistics.

Others who have not been harmed during the journey home are quickly reminded that Songkran is not what it once was. All too often celebrants have had their enjoyment ruined by the selfish behaviour of hooligans who derive pleasure through persecuting others. But it does not have to be this way, and nor should it.

This year, let us honour the traditional spirit of Songkran. This happens when extended families get together and express their respects to elders and each other by pouring scented water into the hands or parents, grandparents, other kinfolk and friends near and far. It is a family affair and the most noble and public-spirited one in our calendar.

Tolerance has its limits and there should be nothing but contempt for the small and selfish minority in modern society which this gentle form of celebration and destroys the good name of this festival. To them, Songkran is a time for getting wildly drunk, partying, motorcycle racing, drug-taking, gambling their earlings away and getting into debt, taking water-throwing to dangerous and insane extremes with illegal high-pressure water guns and hoses directed at innocent passes-by.

There is nothing at all wrong with having fun and relieving built-up stress, but there is a line between shared enjoyment and selfish thoughtlessness. Too many have crossed that line in recent years. Regrettably,many will do so again in the coming days. Some have paid with their lives. Many have paid with other peoples lives-and this is what the authorities are trying to stop, with their pleas for reason, backed by threats of drastic punishment for drunken driving or acts of random violence and the warning that parents will be held responsible for the misdeeds of their children.

This year more people that ever are going overseas and will join those who plan to turn "Songkran Day" into "Songkran Week". Those who stay are welcome to enjoy the splashing of water in designated areas from dawn to dusk, but should not douse motorist or motorcyclists because this causes accidents. Youngsters must understand this, and some foreign tourists could also do with a helpful reminder. Adults, too, are not beyond reproach. The ones who commandeered a fire engine in Nakhon Ratchasima a while back and used high-pressure water hoses and almost drown their victims took irresponsibility to new heights.

Those who abuse Songkran spoil it for others and best kept off the roads and out of sight for their own safety, as well as their sanity, health and well-being for the rest of us.