Chonburi: Thousands of revelers packed the streets as Thailand's "Wan Lai" festivals kicked off in Chonburi, extending the traditional Songkran New Year celebrations with massive water fights and centuries-old sand pagoda rituals.

According to Thai News Agency, the festivities in Bangsaen officially began on April 16, with Khao Lam Road transforming into a vibrant corridor filled with pickup trucks equipped with water barrels. Local vendors reported brisk sales of water guns, prickly heat powder, and refreshments as the crowds gathered to join in the revelry.

Central to the Bangsaen event is the Sand Pagoda Festival. Historically, this ritual involved villagers returning sand washed away by the tides back to local temples to form pagodas as a Buddhist merit-making act. Running through April 17, the tradition now features intricate sand sculptures, folk games, and cultural performances, drawing participants from various regions.

The celebration also extended into Thailand's northeast (Isan) in Sakhon Nakhon province. At Ban Rae Canal, water released from the Nam Un Dam created a popular "landmark" for revelers, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Despite the intensity of the water fights in Sakhon Nakhon, local authorities noted that participants largely maintained traditional etiquette, such as asking for permission before applying powder to others, ensuring that the spirit of the festival remained respectful and joyous.