During a week of conflict and political instability, some of the foreign soccer players in the Thai Premier League found themselves in the streets, engaged in gun battles - but with water pistols.
It's hard to escape the friendly water fights that break out during the Songkran festival every April. Perhaps only in Thailand could such good-hearted revelry follow the bloody clashes between security forces and red shirt protesters that left at least 23 people dead.
The troubles have coincided with the early stages of the new Thai Premier League season, forcing the postponement of several matches. The civil unrest, along with searing heat and humidity plus a low level of English language skills, adds to the challenges for imported players.
Even so, Thailand is becoming an increasingly popular soccer destination with Jamaican international Richard Langley, who enjoyed a long career in the second tier in England, joining Pattaya United this season.
And Wales under-23 international Michael Byrne is one of the midfielders for high-flying Chonburi FC, having previously plied his trade for rivals Nakhon Pathom.
'It's been a difficult time with all the uncertainty and the stop-start nature to the start of the season, but I live a fair way from Bangkok where the political protests have been,' Byrne said. 'It's not easy to get yourself prepared physically and mentally for a game only to have it postponed at the last minute, but the coaches keep us focused.'