Gung Hei Fat Choy: Pattaya welcomes in the Year of the Pig

Pattaya’s Chinese New Year celebrations begin today, February 16, and will run throughout the entire weekend, ending on February 18.

One of the main attractions will be cultural performances from eight provinces in China, along with a host of other events that will center on Bali Hai Pier.

The final lineup was announced on February 2 by Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh, Itthipol Khunplome, advisor to the mayor, Chaiwat Charoensuk, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Central Region 3 Office, and Sunthorn Kangsirikul, vice president of the Pattaya Walking Street Committee.

Friday will see a performance given by 100 artists from eight provinces in China, with the show beginning at 7 p.m.

Saturday February 17 will see a talent contest between boys and girls aged from six to 12 years, with the winners receiving prizes of 8,000 baht, 6,000 baht and 4,000 baht, two consolation prizes valued at 3,000 baht each, and five special prizes of 1,000 baht each.

February 17 and 18 sees two eating competitions, open to residents and tourists, with prizes of 4,000 baht, 3,000 baht, 2,000 baht and 1,000 baht.

On this final day there will also be a ceremony for the God of Good Luck, Chai Sing Eia, at the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation offices. The evening will feature a concert by the Pan Cake and Phynix bands.

Chaiwat said that Pattaya is one of five cities to which the Chinese government is sending cultural performers from eight of the Chinese provinces.

Zantong province will stage an acrobat show, there will be a Hanjo dance from Jerjiang, a hand puppet show from Chihong in Jiangsu, a magic mask show from Chengdu in Szechwan, acrobatic shows from Sao Lin Temple in Shanghai, a show along with music from Huey Long Jiang, a show from the independent state of Neimenggu, and a Beijing Chinese opera from Beijing.

Sunthorn said that special security precautions are being taken, with police officers and volunteer police officers on patrol in the festivity areas.

-Pattaya Mail

Vimolrat Singnikorn

16 Feb 2007

At last...................................I'm recognised