South-East Asia water festivals begin, but earthquake recovery blunts Myanmar's celebrations

Revellers play with water as they celebrate the Songkran holiday, which marks the Thai New Year, in Bangkok, Thailand, on Sunday, April 13, 2025. -- REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa

BANGKOK (AP): Several South-East Asian countries kicked off their annual water festival holiday on Sunday, but in the wake of a devastating earthquake last month, Myanmar is now missing out on the fun.

The holiday is an occasion for merrymaking during what is usually the hottest time of the year.