Thailand is currently celebrating New Year the way it does every year – with a big water fight. The three-day New Year period from 13 to 15 April coincides with the ancient Songkran festival, celebrated by throwing water on people.

During Songkran Thais roam the streets with water pistols or buckets, drenching random passersby to wish them well for the coming year. The celebrations in the northern city of Chiang Mai are particularly enthusiastic, going on for six days or more, making it a popular party for tourists.

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A Thai child takes part in a water battle to celebrate Thai New Year on Khaosan road in Bangkok Reuters
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A man throws water at three girls on a motorbike in Thailand's southern province of Narathiwat AFP
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A tourist takes a direct hit on Silom Road in Bangkok Reuters
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A woman blasts revellers with a firehose on Silom Road in Bangkok Reuters
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Foam is sprayed over revellers on Khaosan road in Bangkok Reuters
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Children splash elephants with water... Reuters
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...and the elephants retaliate AFP
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A tourist reacts as an elephant sprays her with water during Songkran festivities in Ayutthaya province Reuters
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Children prepare to drench tourists on Bangkok's Khaosan Road Reuters
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A boy shoots a water pistol from the back of a truck in Chiang Mai Getty
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Tourists and Thai residents take part in a water fight in Chiang Mai Getty
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Revellers take part in a water fight during Songkran celebrations on Silom Road in Bangkok Reuters
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A Thai man pours a bucket of water on a man riding a scooter in Chiang Mai Getty
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