Ten days till the festivities begin. Of course I enjoy the fun water fights, the parade, and even visits to the temple.
What I appreciate more is the same thing most Thai families look forward to: the many family reunions. For me it's friends who have moved to the big cities to for job opportunities or further their education.
The big exodus from Bangkok and other areas will most likely begin next week Friday evening and continue through the weekend.
Expect additional highway road checks for the entire week as alcohol consumption is on the increase during this period. More than two alcoholic drinks may well put you over the limit to drive legally.
Haven't seen anything in print, but there have been plenty of rumors of new rules being enforced this year.
No alcohol in the streets. That one has actually been in force for a few years. Do your drinking in authorized establishments or private residences, not in public.
No Music. I'm not clear on this one. I would A.S.U.M.E. don't drag your sound system onto the sidewalk. I'm not clear how it will affect businesses who have dancing girls in front of their storefront. I would suspect that this rule does not apply to public events such as the evening dance.
No sidewalk vendors.
I suspect that these rules will be enforced in larger cities and towns and mostly ignored in less populated rural areas.
As of now I have not seen any schedules of public events other than these posters.
It's no longer necessary to dine separately when you want to dine at Apples. Your Thai wife and guests can now order from the menu across the street and have it served at Apples
