Making a splash without water

Celebrating Songkran the traditional way at the Jim Thompson Farm. Daily Xpress/Kanongdet Sukkakit.

Want to try something new and a little more subdued this Songkran? Try a visit to the Jim Thompson Farm in Nakorn Rachasima, where Songkran is celebrated the oldfashioned Isaan way.

Farm manager Thongchai Popaiboon explains that this leading centre for the production of silk in the Kingdom attracts hordes of tourists in the cool season. But he believes the 10rai farm deserves attention all year long, not least around the time of Songkran when traditional Isaan celebrations are preserved in the festival the Northeast knows as "Songkran Baan Hao Hid Khao Duen Ha". Last year the farm opened a museum in a 200yearold Korat house, the last of its kind still standing in the area, where new exhibitions on the culture of the North run every month.

This month's Songkranthemed attraction has four zones: the Tang Hod Nam - or Songkran Water Pathway - for water throwers sits alongside the Prakit Monkey Show for children; the Dern Song Nam Lam Phu Thai offers a chance to sprinkle water on a Buddha image and also enjoy traditional dances by members of Isaan's Phu Thai tribe; Kum Khong Saab offers food, refreshments, souvenirs and entertainments including a Sand Pagoda competition; and Khueng Muancheun Ho Seaw has templefair games like Sao Noi Tok Nam (Sinking the Lady).

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All the fun of the farm

The Songkran festival at the Jim Thompson Farm runs from April 12 to 15, 9am to 5pm.

Tickets are Bt50 (Bt30 for children).

Call (044) 441 558 or visit www.JimThompson.com.

By Tossaporn Wongwaikolayoot

Special to Daily Xpress