1.
MS WOMEN POUR WATER ON STATUE OF BUDDHA (2 SHOTS)
0.15

2.
MS STATUE OF BUDDHA
0.17

3.
CU WOMEN POURING WATER ON STATUE (3 SHOTS)
0.25

4.
MS DANCING ON STREET (2 SHOTS)
0.39

5.
CU GIRL
0.41

6.
MS QUEEN OF FESTIVAL ON FLOAT
0.45

7.
MS CROWD LOOK ON
0.49

8.
CU QUEEN ON FLOAT (2 SHOTS)
0.57

9.
MLS CROWD
1.02

10.
MS CROWD NEAR RIVERBANK
1.03

11.
MLS 'QUEEN' FREE FISH IN RIVER (2 SHOTS)
1.11

12.
MS OTHERS DOING THE SAME (3 SHOTS)
1.26



Initials JNT/V/JH/PN



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: SONGKRAN--A WATER THROWING FESTIVAL MARKING THE BEGINNING OF A NEW SOLAR YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE OLD THAI CALENDAR, WAS CELEBRATED BY THE MON TRIBE IN PAKLAT 15 MILES SOUTH OF BANGKOK.

CELEBRATION OF THE FESTIVAL RANGED FROM A DISPLAY OF RELIGIOUS AND FILIAL PIETY TO A RECKLESS WATER DRENCHING BATTLE BETWEEN BOYS AND GIRLS. MANY A ROMANCE HAS SPROUTED FROM A PLAYFUL DUEL OF WATER THROWING.

WHILE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN CHASED EACH OTHER WITH PAILS OF WATER, THE 'NEUTRALIST FORCES' -- THE YOUNGSTERS -- JOINED IN REGARDING EVERYONE AS THEIR TARGET.

THE FESTIVAL IS BELIEVED TO HAVE DERIVED FROM ANCIENT FERTILITY RITES. WATER IS THROWN TO ENSURE A BOUNTIFUL SEASON, WITH PLENTY OF RAIN.

GIRLS CARRYING LIVE FISH IN GLASS JARS WALKED IN A PROCESSION TO THE RIVERBANK TO FREE THE FISH TO GAIN MERIT IN HEAVEN. CAGED BIRDS WERE ALSO RELEASED.