Make a Splash
Make a Splash
April 7th, 200950 tips, tricks, products and services to help you survive Songkran. By Top Koaysomboon
Dress to kill
1. Flower-printed shirt. It’s all about the floral look, but you’re going to get wet, so make it cheap (B79) at Tesco Lotus.
2. Shorts. Ever tried walking in soaked jeans in 40-degree heat? Skip the nappy rash with these skimpy stripy print shorts, B2,390 from Billabong.
3. Hat. Add a touch of khun nuu to your look with this wide brimmed number. B50 at Chatuchak Market.
4. Changdao Flip Flops. Brazil has the Havaianas; we have the Changdao (or elephant flip flops). It’s Songkran: be Thai and be proud. Added bonus: they only cost around B29 and are available at every mom and pop store in town.
5. Cheap Shades. Things can get pretty wild out on the streets so don’t risk your Yves-Saint Laurent shades and go discount instead—just don’t look at the sun. B50 at Saladaeng Market (Soi Saladaeng, Silom Rd. BTS Saladaeng).
6. Messenger Bag. Songkran is all about energy, so opt for vibrant colors with this Fendi multi-color monogrammed affair. B27,700 at Fendi, G/F, The Emporium.
7. Rubber shoes. Rubber shoes might be sensible but you don’t have to stand for common old Crocs—their leopard print collection looks much more posh. B1,290 at SuperSports.
8. Sexy Bikinis. You’re going to get wet so why not see it as an excuse to show off your assets to the boys. Billabong bikinis, B3,190.
9. Thongs. OK boys, this is for when your linen trousers go completely see through. Aussiebum, B2,570 at This Shop for Men (C34, Silom City Walk, Silom Rd., 02-632-6363. BTS Saladaeng).
10. Color Watches. Keep a grip on reality by keeping a track of time with these colorful and waterproof watches. Issey Miyake, B12,900 (top) and Vabene, B9,900.
11. Rubber Boots. Recreate the innocent fun of splashing in puddles and keeping your feet dry with these cutesy wellies. B2,095 at Paul Frank (1/F, Siam Center, Ram 1 Rd. 02-658-1736. BTS Siam).
12. Fisherman's Pants. Easy to put on and pull off, make sure your blend in with the backpackers with a pair of these pant. B90 at Chatuchak Market
Lock and Load
13. Super Soakers. More than a gun, these are the mothers of all squirting machines. B25 each at Tesco Lotus.
14. Goggles. OK, you might look like an idiot but at least you won’t get an eye infection when hit with a face full of klong water. B60 at Daiso (2/F, Thaniya Plaza, Silom Rd., 02-632-6671. BTS Saladaeng).
15. Water bucket. Fill it with water, throw water, repeat. B32 from Tesco Lotus.
16. Ocean Pack. Make sure it’s just you that gets wet and not your BlackBerry and LV wallet with a waterproof dive bag. B304 for 5 liters, B360 for 10 liters at SuperSports
17. Condoms. Who knows where all that fondling can lead. Durex, in various flavors, from B30. Or superslim 0.03mm Japanese condoms, from B65, at www.condomthai.com.
18. Pepper Spray. There are times when no more water means no more water, and if they still don’t get it, then give them a face full of mace, B550 at www.thaibodyguard.com.
19. Sun Screen. April is the hottest month and all that water just makes those rays even stronger. Keep your skin protected with some high factor sun cream: Clinique SunSmart SPF50, 50ml, B1,300 (1/F., Zen, CentralWorld). Derma Active Sun Glasses SPF50, 30g, B750 (3/F, The Emporium). Eucerin Sun Fluid SPF50, 50ml, B1,100 (Tops). Payot Benefice Soleil Anti-Ageing Protective Cream SPF30, 50ml, B1,950 (1/F, Zen, CentralWorld).
20. Waterproof Camera. Record the moment without fusing the lens with this Oympus Miu Tough 600 available in four colors, B13,990 at PowerBuy.
21. Bring your own water. It’s hot out there so kill your thirst or, at least, have a reserve supply to chuck over somebody. Starbucks water bottle, B700.
Battle Zones
22. Fondle white people. Those big-breasted Swedish backpackers are in Khao San. Go get ‘em, boys!
23. If you don’t fancy getting felt up by braided bearded types then why not try Silom instead. The events are more impromptu but here’s hoping that the fire service are on hand to douse the crowds like last year.
24. For those who don’t want the celebrations to cramp their club
25. Shopping, music and water what better way to spend your Songkran? Head down to CentralWorld for their Splashy Songkran party or wait until after dark and head down for a more adult (and masculine) affair with the gCircuit SK3 party.
Play It Safe
26. Get a Breathalyzer. Too late to win one in our giveaway but you can still buy one at Thai Asia Pacific Brewery (111 Moo 2, Bangbuathong-Suphanburi Rd., Sai Noi, Nonthaburi, 02-985-5001/-3) for B500, but only after you take their brewery tour
28. Know the Law. BK askes Sub. Lt. Pansiri Sreesawad from Chanasongkram Police Station (Khaosan Rd.) for some tips to staying safe and legal this festival.
• "Powder is not allowed in Khaosan but it is impossible to put all the users into jail. So if things don't get too outrages, we compromise."
• "Don't bring too much cash, and beware of those pickpockets, prostitutes and ladyboys. Don't leave your drink unattended and never, ever, accept drinks from strangers—unless you like the look of them.
29. Wear a helmet. You might not be drinking and driving but there's no guarantee that the crazy guy wearing a bra on the motorbike that's veering towards you hasn't.
30. Waterproof Eyeliner. You don't want to looklike a panda so try this MAC water resistant eyeliner (aqua blue and violet), B970 (G/F, The Emporium).
31. Lip Balm. Dirty water, boiling sun—make sure your lips are kept protected and hydrated courtesy of Bhesaj (B10, Tesco Lotus) or Kielh’s (B500, 1/F, Zen, CentralWorld).
32. Save your skin. Cleanse your skin of annoying grey powder and grubby finger prints with Madam Heng (yes, original Thai is the best), B35 at Madame Heng (2/F, Thaniya Plaza, 02-559-3612). Got some dough? The True Riviera treatment at True Spa (Zen, CentralWorld, 02-684-8999) treats you with coconut oil to rejuvenate dehydrated skin, B2,399/90 minutes.
Medic!
33. Prickly Heat. The magic powder that has been an original heat-beater for decades. B49 at Tops Market.
34. Save your hair. Get the crap out of your hair with this “deep nourish” shampoo and conditioner from Asience, B138 each.
35. Save your face. Three days of revelry can be a punishing business. Fortunately Apex Profound Beauty (Sukhumvit 39, 02-662-6018/-9) offers a complete after-Songkran treatment that starts with exfoliating the dead skin cells with Diamond Treatment (B2,500), followed by Tri-Fusion (B8,500) to absorb vitamins and ends with a brightening mask (B500).
36. Save your hair (advanced). At Salon de BKK (2/F, The Emporium, 02-624-8880), the hair detox program is specially tailor-made for each customer, from B2,500, reservation is recommended.
37. Save your Family. For when uncle gets too drunk and falls into the BBQ, B235 (large), B59 (small) at Tesco Lotus.
Spirited Relief
38. Procession of Phra Puttha Sihing. The highly revered Buddha image heads out of the temple and through the streets of Bangkok allowing the local community to pay their respects. Apr 12,8am–4pm.
39. Nang Loy Thai perfumed water. One whiff and you’ll be overwhelmed with nostalgia for traditional Songkran. B17 at Tops Market.
40. Connect with God. When it comes to Songkran celebrations in town, you can’t miss out on a temple festival. Head to the biggest at Wat Pho (Chetuphon Rd., 02-226-0335, www.watpho.com) where, as well as the bathing of Buddha, you can enjoy plenty of Thai food and desserts. Apr 12-16.
41. Follow the Eastern Songkran pilgrimage (and live to tell the tale).
42. Get a lesson in the history and traditions behind the festivities.
Hunker Down
43. Dine Out at Home. You don’t cook. And there’s absolutely no way you’re stepping out the front door. Take the coward’s way out with a choice of delivery services. Chef’s XP (02-204-2001, www.chefsxp.com) and Food by Phone (02-663-4663, www.foodbyphone.com) top the list for choice offering dishes from over a hundred restaurants.
44. Fast and Dirty. Alternatively, stock up on comfort fast food with this choice of fat-friendly takeaway joints that deliver:
• McDonald’s, burgers, 1711,
www.macthai.co.th
• KFC, fried chicken, 1150, www.kfc.co.th
• Chester’s Grill, grilled chicken, 1145,
www.chestersgrill.co.th
• The Pizza Company, pizza, 1112,
www.pizza.co.th
• Pizza Hut, pizza, 1150, www.pizzahut.co.th
45. Go psychotic. Go Grand Theft Auto and keep revellers at bay with this indispensable accessory for those with Songkran allergy—a baseball bat. For extra oomph, get the aluminum one from B450 at www.happyhobbycenter.com.
46. Skate. You want to stay cool but there’s no way you’re getting near the wet stuff—why not try the frozen version with a spot of Ice Skating at Sub Zero Ice Skate (Esplanade, Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-354-2134, www.subzeroiceskateclub.com, MRT Thailand Cultural Center).
47. Read! A few days spent locked in your flat is the perfect excuse
48. DVD-thon. If you are like most Thais and would rather poke your own eyes out than read a book then get some DVDs instead. Jedimusic.com will actually deliver to your door so you don’t have to brave the baying mob but it’s by post. For instant delivery, try Food by Phone.
49. Surf. OK, you don’t wanna get wet but you want to pay your respects. Simple log in to www.songkran.net, hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, where you can find ways to pay respect to the Buddha image, send e-cards, free birds and fishes and even splash water online.
50. Plunge. If you are complete agoraphobic but want to get wet then why not have a pool party in your front room. Just push back the sofa and jump in this paddling pool from B199 at Tesco Lotus.
Essentials
CENTRAL WORLD
Ratchadamri Rd.,
02-640-7000.
BTS Ploen Chit.
SuperSports
Try 3/F, CentralWorld,
02-646-1318.
PowerBuy
Try 4/F, CentralWorld,
02-646-1222.
THE EMPORIUM
Sukhumvit Soi 24,
02-269-1000.
BTS Phrom Phong.
Tesco Lotus
More than 100 stores nationwide (www.tescolotus.com). Try Tesco Lotus Rama 4, Klongtoey, 02-672-8585/-90.
TOPS
More than 100 stores nationwide (www.tops.co.th). Silom Branch, 2 Silom Rd, 02-632-7525.
BTS Sala Daeng.
BILLABONG
Try 2/F, Siam Center,
02-658-1068.
BTS Siam.
