Amazing Thailand Countdown 2014

Thailand New Year’s countdown celebrations have long been popular with locals, but now more tourists and visitors come to the kingdom to join the fun that marks the year’s end. This modern tradition has made Bangkok’s New Year countdown well known around the world as the clocks strike 12, especially since the first global live television broadcast of events that marked the new millennia in 2000.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is continuing this tradition by organising the “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2014” in seven major tourist destinations up and down the country – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri (Pattaya), Songkhla (Hat Yai), Phuket, Khon Kaen and Chiang Rai – from 25 December, 2013 to 1 January, 2014.

Mr. Suraphon Svetasreni, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said, “The Amazing Thailand Countdown 2014 celebrations will combine the modern tradition of the New Year countdown and dazzling displays of fireworks with glittering cultural events to show off some of the kingdom’s artistic and natural treasures. By holding events nationwide, we are encouraging tourists to travel beyond the cities and see more of Thailand as they come here to enjoy the cooler weather.”

The Countdown 2014 will be held in seven major cities including:

Bangkok Countdown 2014 at the city’s Ploen Chit, Ratchaprasong and Pathumwan Intersections from 31 December, 2013 to 1 January, 2014, which promises to be a fun-filled event with concerts by famous Thai and international musicians, stage entertainment and a spectacular countdown fireworks display.

Chiang Mai Countdown Festival 2014 will take place at the historic Thapae Gate and down the entire stretch of Thapae Road from 25 to 31 December, 2013. Activities will include mini-concerts by well-known Thai artists and bands, fun stage performances and displays of the local culture, leading to a massive fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.

Chiang Rai’s Three Nation’s Countdown 2014 in Mae Sai district takes place on 31 December, 2013, and into the early hours of 1 January, 2014. There will be stage entertainment that showcases the culture of the three Golden Triangle countries – Thailand, Lao PDR. and Myanmar -which will fascinate and entertain before midnight’s musical fireworks display.

Pattaya Countdown 2014 in Chonburi will take place from 25 to 31 December, 2013 at the Bali Hai Pier on the southernmost part of Pattaya Beach. The evening of the 31st will be the highlight of a weeklong celebration that includes concerts by famous Thai and international musicians and a wide range of entertainment including cultural and culinary fun. The countdown will be marked with a fireworks spectacular.

KKCountdown004Night Parade & Hat Yai Countdown 2014 from 30 to 31 December, 2013, will take place on Niphat Uthit 3, Sanehanusorn, Thammanoonvithi and Chee Uthit Roads in Songkhla’s Hat Yai district. Highlights include concerts by big name Thai artists and musicians and the B-Boy Championships. There will also be displays of Ramwong or a traditional Thai circle dance, as well as a massive fireworks display as the clocks strike 12.

Colourful Phuket Countdown 2014 from 29 to 31 December, 2013 to be held at Sanam Chai, opposite the Phuket Provincial Hall, promises a range of concerts and stage entertainment before the island’s skies are lit up with the countdown fireworks display. Music lovers should attend the Phuket Electronic Music and Dance Festival 2014 from 30 to 31 December, 2013, on the island’s Karon Beach which is playing host to internationally-acclaimed DJs as well as several concerts that will climax in a countdown spectacular.

Last, but not least, is the Happy Family Party 2014 which takes place over a week in Khon Kaen from 25 to 31 December, 2013. Family-friendly activities are being held on Srichan Road by the ancient Khon Kaen Gate and there will be lots to see and do including the countdown fireworks display that marks the end of the old year and the beginning of the new.