Armed with water guns, travelers have been streaming into Thailand over the weekend for Songkran, the country's most popular festival, which runs this year from April 12 to 15.
On Saturday, Thailand joined other Southeast Asian countries in kicking off the region's New Year festival and official start of summer the way Thais do every year -- with chaotic water fights and nonstop partying.�
Splashing water is traditionally used during Songkran to pay respect and wish people good luck, but it's evolved into a wild, nationwide water fight.�
Click here for our travel guide to Songkran, complete with tips on how to avoid wet powder and why you should bring a plastic bag, as well as detailed rules of engagement.�
The revelry can be dangerous -- especially on the roads.
Dubbed the "seven dangerous days of Songkran," an alarming number of accidents are recorded during the festive week.
The current road death toll for the year is 218, according to Thailand's Interior Ministry road safety center on Sunday, nearly double the already high daily average of deaths from road accidents.�
In 2012, the Bangkok Post reported that 320 people were killed around this period last year.�
The biggest cause of death was drunk driving.�
More on CNN: Insider Guide: Best of Bangkok
Source: http://rss.cnngo.com/~r/cnngo/~3/KEw5aG0NjUE/songkran-water-festival-2013-908576
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