Going out with a bang

Tomorrow is one of Bangkok’s biggest party nights and as ever there will be a host of festivities and fireworks taking place all over town.

The Ratchaprasong intersection will host Bangkok’s unofficial countdown party with live concerts and more. But if you want to see the Year of the Goat go out with a bang and welcome the Year of Monkey with fireworks, the Chao Phraya River is the place to be. 

For the first time ever, Thailand is hosting a New Year’s Eve firework display that will light up Bangkok’s iconic landmarks with exactly 5,500 fireworks shooting up in the sky at midnight against the magnificent backdrop of the Grand Palace and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).

Organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the official Thailand Countdown 2016 is designed to show off the heritage around Rattanakosin Island at night and put the City of Angels on the screens for international countdown viewing.

“This spectacular display on the Chao Phraya River will put Bangkok on the global New Year’s Eve fireworks map,” says Tourism Authority of Thailand’s governor, Yuthasak Supasorn. 

The official party takes place at Nagaraphirom Park opposite Wat Arun and is probably the best free show in town for the entire family as well as those who would prefer to stay away from the crowds at the Ratchaprasong Intersection. 

And for anyone who is staying in Bangkok over the holidays, there’s plenty to do tonight too.

This evening Maharaj Road, which runs between the river and the Grand Palace, will be closed to traffic from 5 to 11 and morph into an old-style Bangkok market with stalls offering the very best products from across the country and food prepared to authentic Thai recipes. Stages are also being erected to showcase traditional performances.

Tonight’s highlight is the multimedia light show using video mapping with the pagoda of Wat Arun serving as the backdrop. The spectacular projection mapping promises a mind-blowing experience with light beams, motion pictures, 3D animations and music combining to relate tales of Thainess over the centuries. 

But without doubt the best show will be the fireworks as 2015 gives way to 2016. 

Inspired by London’s spectacular New Year’s Eve extravaganza over the River Thames, Thailand’s edition will be fuelled by a pyrotechnic display that not only welcomes 2016 but also celebrates the start of the Asean Economic Community and pays tribute to His Majesty the King. 

Buddhist devotees can join the sacred New Year praying rituals at temples across Bangkok including at Wat Pho, a short walk south of Nagaraphirom Park.

A live broadcast of the countdown celebration can be seen at YouTube and on local TV channels. 

Happy New Year!