Marathon Pattaya party welcomes the New Year

2 Jan 2012

An extravagant Pattaya New Year party that began on Christmas Day concluded successfully just after midnight yesterday. Tens of thousands of revellers crowded the area around the resort’s Bali Hai Pier for the grand finale of what had been billed as the globe’s longest New Year celebration.

Bali Hai Pier had been ornately decked out for the marathon party and as the countdown to the New Year approached Thais and foreigners made their way to the hub of Pattaya’s entertainment industry.

Although the stage where rockers Bodyslam were among live entertainment acts was restricted to those with tickets, the sounds and extravagant fireworks display that illuminated the sky could be enjoyed by all. The colourful proceedings, which also included performances by Klear and Kala, were aired live on national TV’s Channel 3.

Police officers in uniform and in plain clothes mingled with partygoers at Bali Hai as well as in Pattaya’s legendary Walking Street and other entertainment precincts to ensure the New Year was welcomed without any untoward incidents. As bars and other establishments in Pattaya were open until 06:00 on New Year’s Day, the evening turned into a long one for many of the die-hard revellers.

Pattaya’s New Year countdown had begun when city mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and other officials presided over the ritual lighting of the Christmas tree on Christmas Day. Among other star Thai acts to appear over the week were Potato, Big Ass and Ice Saranyu.

The New Year party was sponsored by the Grammy record label and Chonburi Provincial organisation. Mayor Itthiphol said the annual event is a major milestone on Pattaya’s calendar that has proved an irresistible draw for domestic and foreign tourists.

Tags: Pattaya party New Year