Patchy Rain likely for Songkran

There have been rains over the past week throughout the province.
Until yesterday it wasn't noted much in the city. It's been quite scattered.

I totally disagree with the local weather service, who recorded less than an inch of rainfall yesterday (14.7mm).
The thunderstorm lasted about an hour.

I have to find some rain gear.  If all else fails trash bags are more durable than the raincoats being sold here

   

In Waritchaphum district, some 70 km to the west of Sakon City, hail storms, and high winds collapsed a school building, which in turn destroyed a car

Post by สกลนคร ทีวี เน็ทเวิร์ค.

7 am

Thai Meteorological Department forecasts scattered showers (20-40%) through Songkran.

Most weather services agree patchy rain for the holidays.

There are still strong northerly influences keeping temperatures pleasant


Noteworthy is the first storm of the season west of the Philippines.

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Post by Suebpong Saensena.

Peace during Songkran in Thailand ? I Hope !!

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Graham Memories

There are a number of minor variations in Thai funeral rites.
Variations are based on finances, status in the community, etc, etc.

a good basic understanding can be learned by reading this buddhanet article

•  Buddhist Funeral Rites in Thailand and South Asian Countries

Eulogy

I had met Graham on a few occasions at local Expat watering holes.
Graham was a regular reader of this blog, so we talked mostly about local events.
What I liked most about him was his attitude, laid back, easy going and friendly.

During our last conversation he revealed to me that he was only two weeks older than me. He had seen some of my birthday party posts.
"Ah, another scorpion," I replied.

I had been to a nearby village for Bangfai and boatraces many times.
I saw Graham's home for the first time at his funeral, well over a hundred people were at his house.

buddhanet: "On the day of the funeral ... every effort is made to banish sorrow, loneliness and the fear of spirits by means of music and fellowship."

A first for me at a funeral was a translation into English of eulogies and speeches made.

From the translators necktie and clasp I presumed him to be a teacher. His translation seemed pretty good.

I have seen this done before, a bathing ceremony, don't know the significance of using coconut milk.

Orange soda added to my perplexity.

There are a number of options what to do with the ashes and bone fragments.
Don't know as of yet what will be done this time.

Generally there is another ceremony in 100 days.

At times remains are enshrined on temple grounds. 

At other times they are dispersed over the Mekong river



There were a number of cameras in use and I am hoping that others will share their photo's of this occasion.

These photographs are by Simon.  View the album

If you wish to share your pictures, please post a comment. E-mail addresses of contributors are not published

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Finding your way to pay your respect

Simon writes on his Facebook page:
Will be at Apple bar tomorrow (April 6) at 1130 and will be moving off from there at 12 ish to pay my respects to Graham at his house.