Wan Lai Festival in Pattaya

CHON BURI, April 20 (TNA) -- Thailand’s seaside city of Pattaya celebrates the Wan Lai Festival, a local version of traditional New Year beginning after the Songkran Water Festival. Thousands of revelers have joined celebrations since Wednesday with religious ceremonies and water splashing. Songkran Festival in Thailand normally runs for three official holidays of but Pattaya City and nearby communities celebrate Songkran on the 19th of April in what is called Wan Lai. Foreign travelers take part in the celebrations ranging from traditional activities including bathing Buddha images, giving alms to monks and offering prayer to water fights. Local authorities have prepared venues for Wan Lai Festival, cultural shows and parades for the natives and visitors. Meanwhile, police and volunteers have been mobilized to undergo road safety and security measures. Checkpoints have been setup throughout the area. They also strictly enforce regulations for safe water throwing. (END)