Seeking the triple violation

· 439 words · 3 minute read

Well, that’s Songkran over for another year, collective sighs of relief all round.

This year there was a change in the rules, with the Ministry of the Interior banning the carrying of water containers and the splashing of water from pick-up trucks. Given that 90% of the gridlock in previous years was caused by pick-ups laden with barrels of water and people to chuck it; it was hard to see how people would manage their mobile festivities.

This followed on closely from another new rule: you are not allowed to consume alcohol in a vehicle; and of course there is the much older rule that bans the use of mobile phones while driving.

And it was these three rules that had me out on the street in pursuit of the perfect photo, the triple violation shot. Some photographers spend months in sub-zero temperatures, living in a tent and drinking their own pee; in the hope of snapping a snow leopard. Me, I would be content with a photo of someone driving a water-laden pick up at Songkran, with a bottle of booze in one hand and a mobile phone in the other.

It should have been easy. As expected, the water-carrying truck ban was completely ignored and the streets were choked with such vehicles. The mobile phone ban has been ignored ever since it was introduced; and there was almost as much alcohol as water being waved about. Sadly, due to talc-covered windows already darkened by illegally dense film; I never got the shot I craved.

Never mind, I’ll try again next year, using the extended list of “eleven rules for Songkran” issued by the government as the basis for my challenge.

  1. Don’t buy or sell anything on the sidewalk.

  2. Don’t turn on your stereo amplifier.

  3. Don’t carry water in your pickup truck.

  4. Don’t play with water in your pickup truck.

  5. Don’t use high-pressure water guns.

  6. Don’t throw ice at other people.

  7. Don’t use baby powder.

  8. Don’t harass women.

  9. Don’t sell alcohol in alcohol-free zones.

  10. Don’t consume alcohol in cars.

  11. Don’t drunk-drive.

In the meantime, I have a challenge for the government: Pass one law and have it enforced.

I reckon catching a photo of a snow leopard is more likely that that happening.

Comments 🔗

2013-04-22 | James says

I think the word “don’t” translates into “you must do” However if a farrang were to break these rules, now that’s another story….

2013-04-25 | ChristianPFC says

Where I live, there is a small shop that sells alcoholic drinks on the street. On that side of the street that has no sidewalk, so it clearly is aimed at drivers