Bangkok is currently shrouded in monsoon clouds, but during the day, green parks and open-air venues have become popular gathering places for locals and families.
With no traffic congestion or long lines at popular restaurants, the prolonged Songkran holiday is always the best time for those who stay in Bangkok to enjoy pleasant leisure time without the usual masses. This year, with water fights prohibited, you can feel free to arrange a day trip by foot, bicycle or river cruise.
The beach town of Chon Buri is reviving after the country reinstated the Thailand Pass system to welcome foreign tourists this month. Pattaya, Bang Lamung, Koh Sichang, Si Racha and Sattahip have been added to the Sandbox programme as a new alternative.
As the winter breeze blew in, it was the ideal day for a young man to be ordained. A group of monks were reciting prayers and the temple grounds were busy with local pilgrims when I arrived at Wat Yai Suwannaram in the coastal town of Phetchaburi. Although the place had come back to life, the ordination ceremony was held without a colourful procession or music band, according to disease control measures.