Fridae

Organisers Fridae.com took over the Royal Sheraton Orchid's exclusive Embassy Garden on April 14 for a poolside party with Amsterdam-based DJ Tommy Marcus at the decks. By sunset, the poolside was filled with 1,500 Speedo, boardshorts or similarly clad attendees squirting their "Super Soakers," swimming, dancing or laying by the poolside enjoying the sights. The night climaxed with a fireworks display against the magnificent Bangkok skyline and riverside backdrop, and synchronised to Bob Sinclair's "World, Hold On" as the crowd screamed and cheered.

Three otherwise sober ballrooms at the Sheraton were transformed into a massive dancefloor complete with a DJ console, podiums and lasers specially flown in for some 2,500 people the following night. Despite a massive queue that stretched some 80-100m at its peak around 11pm, partygoers were understanding of the situation as security checks had to be done and the queue was fast moving. Aussie hot favourite DJ Alex Taylor, who had played at previous Fridae events, was no stranger to partygoers as many had also heard the Sydney Mardi Gras veteran. Although the party was slated to end at 3am, the partygoers were so reluctant to call it a night that DJ Alex obliged the enthusiastic crowd for another 30 minutes.

Bed Supperclub, which hosted the recovery party on Sunday night as well as the main Squirt party last year, saw some 1,200 partygoers walk into its spaceship-like structure. Not only was the crowd treated to the sounds of Bed residents Fred Jungo, Colin Queen and Yves Larock but also witty projections by the VJs including cheeky messages such as "my balls are sweaty... and i love it."

First held in Singapore in April 2003 and in Bangkok last year also during the Songkran weekend, Squirt's date, theme and name was a perfect fit as the city streets are taken over by residents and tourists armed with "Super Soakers" - or simply buckets of water - ready to douse other partygoers and unsuspecting tourists alike, for good luck and all in good fun. Observed throughout the country from April 13 to 15, the Thai New Year marks the beginning of a new astrological year and is highly anticipated by locals and travellers.

The widely-anticipated Nation.06 will be held in Phuket from Oct 20-22, 2006. More details to follow.