BANGKOK — Dressed in bright shirts and wearing goggles, crowds kicked off the Thai New Year on Sunday (April 13) by playfully drenching each other with water, a key part of the Songkran festival that symbolizes cleansing, renewal, and new beginnings. Participants sprayed water from the backs of pickup trucks, and everyone braced to get soaked as the celebration began.

“I came fully equipped today — four water guns, goggles, a hat, and a waterproof pouch for my phone,” said 50-year-old Teera Rachapol. The vibrant festivities are a boost to Thailand’s tourism sector, with officials anticipating an 8% rise in international visitors during the week. “This is so different from anything I’ve experienced. We had no idea what to expect, but it’s amazing. I love it — especially the water!” said 20-year-old Tinke Stockman from the Netherlands.

This year’s Songkran follows a devastating earthquake in neighboring Myanmar in March, which killed over 3,500 people and destroyed entire communities. The tremor also triggered the deadly collapse of an unfinished building in Thailand. While some people in Bangkok admitted they were cautious about joining big crowds, others said the environment felt safer than they anticipated. “As long as you stay alert, there’s nothing to worry about,” said Zhang, a Chinese tourist.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.