IS THAT weapon cocked, or are you just pleased to see us?

Every Songkran Thai New Year brings its share of fun, and as usual Phuket's outrageous share was taken further than it could possibly be taken in Patong's Soi Bangla walking street.

This afternoon we thought we'd seen it all when a man menaced passersby with an unusual water pistol in the shape of a body part.

He appeared to be firing blanks. But we couldn't help but wonder where he keeps it holstered for the rest of the year. And whether it frightens burglars.

(You can check it out for yourself - if you are over 18 - in the Phuketwan photo album above).

Just when we thought we'd seen it all, a man menaced us with both his bare hands shaped as pistols. Neither of his hands appeared to be particularly dangerous. His eyes were closed.

We suspect that this Soi Bangla shooter was definitely loaded, even if his weapons were not.

Patong and Soi Bangla always jump-start Songkran, beginning early and finishing late.

This year was no exception, with residents, workers and tourists looking to see in Phuket's third New Year for 2011 - Western, Chinese and now Thai - in the time-honored fashion.

Tomorrow, the rest of Phuket also gets wet.