Lighting up the Isaan sky

More than 2,000 colourful fireworks feted the arrival of 2015 in Udon Thani, one of the four major cities in Thailand’s northeast to the cheers of the more than 10,000 Thais and foreign visitors who gathered at open-air lifestyle mall UD Town for the countdown party.

Da Endorphine, Veerasak “Kob” Kluekan and Nathawut “Max” Jenmana from The Voice, Palitchoke “Peck” Ayanaputra and Klear were among the artists who entertained the crowds on December 29 and 30, and when the last day of the year finally rolled around, the mall was bustling with activities on the street and shows on the stage. 

The countdown party kicked off with a concert by “The Voice” stars Natcha “Fangkhao” Jittanon, Lalita “Nan” Jungwattanakit and Klom Aonrawee. They handed over to artists from True Academy Fantasia, who were greeted with great enthusiasm by groups of neon-sign waving fans. First up on stage were Patcha Anekayuwat and Nat Thewphaingam and they received loud applause. The loudest screams, though, were reserved for Satthaphong “Tao” Phiangphor and Nontanun “Kacha” Anchuleepradit, who duetted on Por Annop’s “Krote Lai Yon” and Yodrak Salakjai’s “30 Yang Jaew” after performing their own hits.

The guys in the audience quickly got their own back, whistling and clapping as Suteewan “Baitoey” Thaveesin from R Siam emerged on stage in a skimpy gold costume and performed a set of danceable numbers including “Rak Tong Perd (Naen Oak)”, “Ya Mano”, and “Poe” before switching to a sing-along cover of Pongpat Wachirabunjong’s “Jai Nak Leng”.

Passions were cooled as Tanakorn Weerachatyanukul, president of Udon Thani Tourist Business Association and deputy provincial governor Narong Pollaiad came out on stage for the official ceremony, along with sponsors Red Bull, Thai Yamaha Motor, Thai Beverage and Thai Life Insurance.

As paper streamers and balloons rose to the skies, Tanakorn and Narong jammed with all artists on stage and started the countdown to midnight. Shouts of “Happy New Year” rang out in unison, as fireworks and music filled the air.

The party carried on into the small hours with shows by artists from The Star, Saharat “Singto” Junpukdee and Suparuj “Ruj” Techatanon.