As people prepare to celebrate Songkran, this year's festival sees a number of stricter road safety rules and regulations -- from the Section 44 edict requiring all car passengers to buckle up to the ban of water-throwing from the back of pickups along major roads and highways. But the spirit of Songkran has always been high -- and wild. Here we take a look at photos from the Bangkok Post's archives to see how Songkran revellers enjoyed the water war in the past with or without harsh traffic rules enforced.
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Youngsters in pickups court danger in Chiang Mai in 1981.
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This pickup is carrying over 10 passengers as they get 'ambushed' in Bangkok's Huay Kwang area in 1987.
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An ice cream vendor is shown no mercy, way back in 1973.
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You may be safe from water inside a car, but the lovely paintwork isn't safe from din sor pong, or talc paste. This was at Wat Phra Sri Mahathat in Bangkok's Bang Khen district.
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The face of this police officer in Pattaya back in 1988 was a canvas for Songkran celebrations.
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Songkran revellers use din sor pong to smear others in Phra Pradaeng district of Samut Prakan province. Today, the white powder is banned in many areas. BANGKOK POST ARCHIVE
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Celebrating Songkran in a lorry in Klong Toey area in 1987. BANGKOK POST ARCHIVE
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Splashing a moving train back in 1974.
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These children are having the time of their lives in Bangkok in 1981.