Real Quick Mike Swick EP #1 – Songkran War

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Real Quick Mike Swick

Watch as Mike Swick does battle in the ‎Red Light District, while pulling no punches, in the first episode of the all new Real Quick Mike Swick! Filmed on location in Phuket,‎ Thailand during the annual Songkran festival.

What is Songkran?

Songkran 2016 in Bangkok – Having fun is a big part of Thai culture, and having fun amidst scorching heat is no exception. The hottest month of the year, April sees the entire country go bananas in friendly water fights and street parties that last nearly a week. During Songkran, most office buildings, banks as well as family-run shops and restaurants shut down completely, while big shopping malls usually remain open. Bangkok experiences a mass exodus, as at least half of its residents travel back to their home towns for family re-unions. In their place are tourists, who fly into Bangkok particularly to enjoy one of the most colourful and festive times of the year as well as Real Quick Mike Swick filming the action.

Note. Songkran in Thailand is officially observed between the 13th and 15th of April (three days national holiday), although in reality, celebrations often last the entire week!

Songkran is the occasion for family re-unions, temple visits and annual house cleaning. Many Thais observe the holidays by spending time with families and friends. Traditionally, Thais perform the Rod Nam Dum Hua ritual on the first day of Songkran, which is officially the National Elderly Day. During the ritual, young people would pour fragrant water into the elders’ palms as a gesture of humility and to ask for their blessings.

The second day of Songkran is officially the National Family Day. Families would wake up early and give alms to the monks, then ideally the rest of the day would be spent sharing quality family time together. An important religious ritual on Songkran is ‘Bathing the Buddha image’, in which devout Buddhists pour fragrant water over Buddha statues both at the temple and at home. More religious Thais would engage themselves in Buddhist ceremonies and merit-making activities throughout the holidays.

Produced by: AKA Thailand & Mike Swick
Directed by: Real Quick Mike Swick
Filmed by: Mitch Viquez & Doug Rothwell
Edited by: Doug Rothwell
Narrated By: Mike Swick & Marc Bogutzki
Music by: Gunnar Olsen & Floppy Circus

Song #1: Gunnar Olsen – First To Last
https://soundcloud.com/gunnarolsenmusic

Song #2 by: Floppy Circus – All The Happy Days
https://soundcloud.com/floppycircus

For more information on AKA Thailand:

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