It's time to party

A brand new year is just around the corner and as ever, Thailand’s New Year’s Eve countdown parties are expected to draw huge crowds from Bangkok to Chiang Rai in the North and Hat Yai in the South.

Among the organisers is the Tourism Authority of Thailand, which is staging “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2014” events in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya in Chon Buri, Hat Yai in Songkhla, Phuket, Khon Kaen and Chiang Rai.

“The parties combine the modern tradition of the New Year countdown and dazzling displays of fireworks with glittering cultural events to show off some of the kingdom’s artistic and natural treasures,” says TAT’s Governor Suraphon Svetasreni.

Residents and visitors to the capital can enjoy the TAT’s “Bangkok Countdown 2014” at the Ploenchit, Ratchaprasong and Pathumwan intersections with concerts by local and foreign musicians, stage entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display.

AIS 3G is sponsoring the countdown at CentralWorld malls in Bangkok, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Surat Thani, Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai with a Bt50-million event on the theme “Happiness Soars with Aunjai”. 

“As 2014 is the Year of Horse, we are using a flying horse as our symbol and our concept is ‘Happiness Go Round’. Highlights include the launch of a specially designed projection mapping technique at 20:14 hours and graphic effects during the countdown itself. Each venue will feature graphics resembling the movement of a merry-go-round to signify the broadcasting of happiness across Thailand. A merry-go-round will be used as a major icon on the stages in the provinces,” says Kobchai Chirathivat, chief executive of Central Pattana.

“We are using the latest in high-tech innovations for this event, starting with the projection mapping of a merry-go-round for the stage,” confirms Index Creative Village’s Kriengkrai Kanchanapokin, who’s been in charge of the Bangkok extravaganza for the last four years. 

“That will be followed by shows by several artists, which will be telecast live and synchronise with the festivities in other provinces. We’re giving a lot of importance to the live broadcast, because the Central World countdown is famous worldwide,” 

“We try to design a different firework display every year but in Bangkok, just like New York, we are always limited by the location and the surrounding buildings. Sydney Harbour and Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour are much better as they are unencumbered and make the perfect showcases for displays. While we’ll be filming from several sides for the live broadcast, we’ll also be switching to grabs of well-known tourist attractions like Wat Phra Kaew. However, it will be a non-stop firework display with ten of thousands of fireworks plus lots of laser beams. The shape of ‘Nong Aunjai’, the AIS mascot, will be formed by the fireworks.”

Index Creative Village is also returning to Myanmar for the second year to produce the countdowns in Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw.

“The Myanmar people had never celebrated the countdown before last year but despite a ban on alcohol, they had a great time at the event. We didn’t attempt a firework display because the venue was so close to Shwedagon Pagoda. We are thrilled to be back there this year,” says Kriengkrai.

Another Bangkok party is the “Asiatique Festival Countdown 2014” at the riverfront lifestyle venue, which will culminate in a magnificent fireworks show on the Chao Phraya River. The event, on the concept “Light Up the Colours of Life”, gets underway at 5pm with concerts by Tata Young, Pop Pongkool, Boy Peacemaker, Ice Saranyu, New-Jew, Rit The Star and Jetset'er. It will be broadcast live on Channel 3 from 11.30pm to 12.30am.

The “Chiang Mai Countdown Festival 2014” will take place at the historic Thapae Gate and down the entire stretch of Thapae Road. Activities will include mini-concerts by well-known Thai artists and bands, stage performances and displays of the local culture and a massive fireworks display at the stroke of midnight.

Chiang Rai’s “Three Nation’s Countdown 2014” will take place in Mae Sai district and features stage entertainment that showcases the culture of the three Golden Triangle countries – Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.

“Pattaya Countdown 2014” is being held at the Bali Hai Pier on the southernmost part of Pattaya Beach. The highlight of a week-long celebration, it includes concerts by famous Thai and international musicians, a wide range of entertainment, cultural and culinary fun, and a firework spectacular.

“Night Parade & Hat Yai Countdown 2014” will take place on Niphat Uthit 3, Sanehanusorn, Thammanoonvithi and Chee Uthit Roads. Highlights include concerts by big name Thai artists and musicians and the B-Boy Championships. There will also be displays of “ramwong” or a traditional Thai circle dance, as well as a massive fireworks display as the clocks strike 12.

Sanam Chai, opposite the Phuket Provincial Hall, is the venue for “Colourful Phuket Countdown 2014”, which offers concerts and stage entertainment as well as fireworks. Music lovers might prefer the Phuket Electronic Music and Dance Festival 2014 on Karon Beach featuring internationally acclaimed DJs as well as several concerts.

Khon Kaen turns the whole thing into a family affair with its “Happy Family Party 2014” on Srichan Road by the ancient Khon Kaen Gate. Fun and games are on the menu together with a fireworks display that marks the end of the old year and the beginning of the new.