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Countdown scheduled for seven tourist destinations
Suchat Sritama
Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Nation

The new Santa decoration at Central Court area in CentralWorld shopping centre set to celebrate Christmas.

BANGKOK: -- TAT and private sector plan spectacular events around the Kingdom, on top of the usual Bangkok extravaganza

In collaboration with the private sector, including modern retailers, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is organising New Year countdown 2015 celebrations in seven major tourist destinations around the country.

The main venues are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai (Mae Sai), Chon Buri (Pattaya), Songkhla (Hat Yai), Phuket and Khon Kaen, with the celebrations set to run from December 25 to January1.

TAT governor Thawatchai Arunyik yesterday said the celebrations at these locations would feature the modern tradition of the New Year countdown, alongside unique Thai cultural activities.

"This is a perfect prelude to our '2015 Discover Thainess' campaign, which emphasises the distinctive character of Thailand as a fun and hospitable tourist destination," he said.

"Bangkok Countdown 2015" will take place at the city's Ploenchit, Ratchaprasong and Pathumwan intersections, with dazzling displays of fireworks, concerts and stage entertainment.

The actual New Year countdown will be held in front of the CentralWorld complex and Amarin Plaza, while Ratchaprasong is also well known for its wonderland of lights and colourful decorations during the festive season.

Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, executive vice president of marketing at Central Pattana, operator of the CentralWorld shopping complex, announced that this year, the "AIS Bangkok Countdown Sawasdee 2015 @CentralWorld" countdown campaign would be a hosted event, unlike in previous years.

Under the theme "Glow in the Dark Party", the event will for the first time fill CentralWorld with dazzling light displays, a giant concert stage and numerous props, he said.

The entire place will be lit up with brightly glowing colours, creating a new experience unlike any previous year's party events.

In addition, the creation of a large-scale vinyl 'human-card' banner is planned as the highlight of the event.

This is the perfect spot for the organisers and visitors, said Nattakit, since CentralWorld is situated at the centre of the city in a strategic location that is easy and convenient to access, allowing a large number of Thais and foreigners to flow into the event.

Therefore, it can use the power of the crowd to create a human card reading "SAWASDEE 2015", and together spread happiness around the world, he added.

The event will be held on December 31 from 6pm-12.30am, and this year's dress code will be all-white attire.

Entering the event venue, there will be activity booths with a wide variety of activities to participate in.

"Just come and paint your body with fluorescent colours and feel the sense of fun and unity. You can also look forward to seeing gigantic glowing balls rolling around the place, which participants can play with to help fill the air with more delight and joy," said the executive.

"Central Pattana believes this event will liven up the year-end holiday season and boost visitor traffic to the event to about 300,000 attendees, or 20 per cent higher than last year, which reached 250,000 attendees a night. In addition, our event will help boost the country's image and economic figures and growth at the same time," said Nattakit.

Asiatique, meanwhile, has announced a collaboration with a number of business partners, including Chang, Mekhong, EST, 7-Eleven, OPPO and Kasikorn Thai, to host the "Chang Presents Asiatique Thailand Countdown 2015" campaign on December 31 at Asiatique Park on Charoen Krung Road.

One of the highlights is a fireworks display in the middle of the Chao Phraya River, as well as a photo activity, "Capturing Good Times that Stay in Your Memory at Asiatique", through Instagram.

Meanwhile, Mayuree Chaipromprasith, senior chief marketing officer of Siam Paragon Shopping Centre, said Siam Paragon and Scotch whisky brand Johnnie Walker are together celebrating the ninth anniversary of the luxury complex and welcoming the festive season right in the heart of Bangkok with a grand party at "House of Walker @ Parc Paragon."

Siam Paragon's landmark, Parc Paragon, is housing Asia's latest luxurious Johnnie Walker mansion through to January 3, at which party-goers are "entertained by sensorial enticement with 4D visual and sound, as well as visually stunning digital-mapping technology and cutting-edge theatrical performances," she said.

"A dazzling Christmas tree, lights and hourly digital-mapping shows are also to be seen at Siam Paragon, where visitors are expected to reach about 300,000- 350,000 a day during the festive season, compared to 200,000 during normal periods, as Siam Paragon is a top shopping destination for tourists and visitors. We are certain that feedback from visitors will remain positive, as always," she added.



Provincial countdowns

In Chiang Mai, the countdown is to be held at Tha Pae gate and down the entire stretch of Tha Pae Road.

Highlights are mini-concerts, stage entertainment and cultural performances, plus a New Year countdown fireworks spectacular.

Another event in the North will be held in Chiang Rai's Mae Sai district, on the Thai side of the Thailand-Myanmar border crossing.

Activities will include music performances, stage entertainment showcasing the culture of three nations - Thailand, Laos and Myanmar - and the New Year countdown with a spectacular fireworks display.

"Pattaya Countdown 2015", to be held at the Bali Hai pier on the southernmost part of Pattaya Beach, will be filled with events and concerts by famous Thai and international musicians and bands, before the seaside city's skies are lit up with a countdown fireworks display.

To the south, Hat Yai will organise the event on four key roads - NiphatUthit 3, Sanehanusorn, Thammanoonvithi and Chee Uthit - and in front of the Lee Gardens Plaza, as well as at the Gong Kong Villa Market.

"Colourful Phuket Countdown 2015" will be held at the Sanam Chai field opposite Phuket Provincial Hall, with concerts and stage entertainment, floral and light decorations, and a countdown fireworks display.

"Khon Kaen Rock Party Countdown 2015" will take place on Srichan Road, by the city's gate.

Highlights will include a Magic Light of Happiness decorative garden and concerts by famous Thai rock singers and bands.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Countdown-scheduled-for-seven-tourist-destinations-30249731.html

-- The Nation 2014-12-13

[hugh2121]

Hmmm, everything except somewhere to park...as usual in Pattaya.

[wabothai]

They must love farang culture.

I am confused.

[how241]

They must love farang culture.

I am confused.

All holidays are celebrated $$$