Ringing in a New Year

NEW YEAR in Thailand has long been celebrated with extravagant countdowns and spectacular firework displays but this year, as befits the mourning period following the death of His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej on October 13, CentralWorld will be welcoming 2017 with candles.
“We are collaborating with the Culture Ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand as well as with private sector concerns including communication agency Dhospaak, Advanced Info Service, Plan B Media Public, and the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA) in holding ‘Candlelights of Siam: Ruam Duangjai Thai Thang Chat Song Sor Khor Sor Thueng Phor Bon Fah’. We will join together to light candles for the country, for His Majesty the late King and for the Thai people. In addition, we will all join together to sing His Majesty the late King’s song ‘Porn Pee Mai’ (‘New Year Greeting’), which was composed in 1952,” Dr Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, executive vice president of marketing of Central Pattana said during the recent press conference held at Groove.
“Our thanks go to CentralWorld for giving the Culture Ministry the opportunity to take part in this celebration,” added Dr Sunantha Mitngam, deputy director-general of the ministry’s department of cultural promotion.
“We have many shows and activities that will entertain the crowds while also paying homage to the late Monarch and sending a message of felicitation to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradeba-yavarangkun. These include cultural shows and poetry readings and a crossover prayer service, which is usually held at the temple but for this year is shifting to the department store.”
Noppadon Pakprot, deputy governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, was equally upbeat about the upcoming festivity.
“This year will be very different from previous years but still magnificent and spectacular. The whole area, indeed the whole country, will be lit up by candle flames instead of fireworks, making our New Year celebration stand out all over the world. We are expecting tens of thousands of people to come to CentralWorld to light candles and sing ‘Porn Pee Mai’ to send their own greetings to the father in the sky. The melody will be played by the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Dr Sugree Charoensuk and the singing led by several vocalists included Kittinan “Kit The Voice” Chinsamran and Saowanit “Kob” Navapan.
ThaiBev subsidiary Dhospaak is in charge of the orchestra. “We will be bringing nearly 100 members of the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra to the stage for the countdown for what is their first outdoor performance. They will play several royal compositions. Dhospaak is also providing the sound system and, for the younger crowd, a mini show by Thai-Korean boy band 316,” Anuchat Piroontanapaisarn, the company’s managing director, explained.
Other musicians taking turns on stage before the countdown include Spicy Disc artists Notapol Srichomkwan, Mild, The Parkinson, Laongfong, Helmethead and Room 39.

 “We’ve put together a special song titled ‘Kala Khrang Nueng Talod Kaln’ in recognition of His Majesty the late King’s benevolence and all Spicy Disc artists will sing it together,” Notapol Srichomkwan, executive consultant of Spicy Disc, told the press conference.
The stage will be set up adjacent to the “Winter White: Garden of Happiness” zone, which boasts several white Christmas trees decorated with ribbons and a million lights plus a field of golden-yellow carnations with gold decorative lights. More than a million LED lights will illuminate the fountain and form a light tunnel, reflecting the happiness and solidarity of the Thai people.
“I have been coming to use area on December 31 for 16 years,” noted Chai Srivikorn, president of Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA).
“And I think this year will be really special as the Thai people turn out to show off their New Year celebration to the world. The crowd along will show our strength as a nation and prove that Thailand is a safe place to visit. We’ve increased the number of CCTV security cameras too and now have more than 100.”
Pol Maj Gen Montree Yimyam, acting deputy commissioner of Metropolitan Police Bureau, expressed confidence in the security measures that have been put in place.
“[National police chief] Chakthip Chaijinda told us that everybody must be safe and happy. We expect this year to be as busy in terms of numbers but more peaceful and joyous. Thai people all over the country will take part in the crossover prayers as 2016 gives way to 2017 and the chanting will ring out loud and clear,” he said,
Other branches of Central around the country are also hosting their celebrations with candlelight and crossover prayers though the artist line-ups will, of course, be different.

Central Plaza Salaya will present “A Tribute to the King of Jazz” in the company of Nuvo, Lula, Getsunova, the orchestra from the Fine Arts Department and students of the College of Music, Mahidol University.
Central Plaza West Gate will host Stamp Apiwat, Palmy and Potato, and Central Plaza Ubon Ratchathani has Tukky Chingroi Chingran and various other celebrities.
Central Plaza Udon Thani will feature a show by the Wat Chaimongkol Buddhist School and an “Offshoots of the Srimahapho Tree” parade from India’s Bodh Gaya.
Central Festival Hat Yai will present Khon performances from the Prince of Songkhla University, “Menora” performances from Phatthalung, a Thai Blessing Dance and a concert from |Sixty Miles while Central |Festival Chiang Mai entertains with Wan Thanakrit and Tattoo Colour.
The countdown activity will be broadcast live on 3SD Channel (Channel 28) from 10.30 to 11pm and on 3 HD Channel (Channel 33) from 11pm to 12.30am as well as on Plan B’s advertising display screens nationwide.
Those able to rise and shine at an early hour on New Year’s Day are invited to return to Ratchaprasong to offer food to monks at 7am. This will be followed by the parade of 8 deities from 8.30 to 11am.