Out with the old, in with the new

There’s less than 24 hours to go until the world once again rings in another year and as always, most folk will be ringing in 2015 with parties and music. 

Samoa, a small island nation in Pacific Ocean, is the first to welcome the New Year while Honolulu in Hawaii is among the last. 

In Thailand, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Chiang Rai, Songkhla, Pattaya, Phuket, Khon Kaen and Pai are celebrating New Year’s Eve in style. And whether you’re going for the beer, the music, the fireworks or simply to make a wish, you can be sure of great fun. Here’s where to celebrate. 

 

BANGKOK

Bangkok Countdown 2015 will take place at the city’s Ploenchit, Ratchaprasong and Pathum Wan Intersection with dazzling displays of fireworks, concerts and stage entertainment. Organised for more than a decade in front of the CentralWorld complex and Amarin Plaza, the event also boasts good security to ensure that everyone has a good and safe time. Check out the gorgeous lights and decorations around Ratchaprasong. 

For something a little calmer, head to Asiatique, the riverfront shopping mall and dining scene, which is hosting a free concert, a pyrotechnic extravaganza and lots of great photo ops. 

 

CHIANG MAI

Chiang Mai Countdown Festival 2015 is being held at the Tha Pae Gate and along the entire stretch of Tha Pae Road. Highlights include mini-concerts, stage entertainment and cultural performances, and the New Year countdown fireworks spectacular.

 

MAE SAI, CHIANG RAI

Mix with folk from Myanmar, Laos and Thailand at the Three Nations Countdown 2015, which is being held on the Thai side of the Thailand-Myanmar border crossing in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district and includes live music performance and stage entertainment that showcases the culture of all three nations plus a New Year countdown with a spectacular fireworks display.

 

PAI, MAE HONG SON

For a more arty – dare we say hippie? – celebration, it has to be Pai, the small town and artist “hideout” in the mountains of Mae Hong Song. Part of “Folk Film Fest 2015”, Pai’s Countdown Party promises visitors live music, open-air cinema, free hugs, fire performance and an art and craft market. Walk hand-in-hand with peace and love into 2015 at this party, which continues through Saturday.

 

PATTAYA

The Pattaya Countdown 2015 at the Bali Hai Pier on the southernmost part of Pattaya Beach actually got underway on Christmas Day and wraps in the wee hours of tomorrow morning with a massive bash that includes concerts by famous Thai and international musicians and bands and a spectacular fireworks display over the sea.

 

SONGKHLA

Enjoy some southern comfort at the Night Paradise Hat Yai and Countdown 2015, which is being held on four key roads – Niphat Uthit 3, Sanehanusorn, Thammanoonvithi and Chee Uthit – and in front of the Lee Gardens Plaza, as well as at the Gong Kong Villa Market in Hat Yai. The celebration features concerts by big-name Thai singers, bands and celebrities and is capped off by fireworks display to mark the New Year.

 

PHUKET

The famous seaside destination holds its colourful Phuket Countdown 2015 at the Sanam Chai Field opposite the Phuket Provincial Hall with concerts and stage entertainment, floral and light decorations, and a fireworks display.

 

KHON KAEN

Khon Kaen Rock Party Countdown 2015 has also been running since Christmas Day at Srichan Road by the city gate. Tonight’s highlights include concerts by famous Thai rock singers and bands. As the clock strikes 12, Khon Kaen’s skies will be lit up with a spectacular display of fireworks. A Buddhist merit-making activity takes place at the same venue tomorrow.