Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.
Warunya Thongrod
The shamrocks and leprechauns are ready as the Father Ray Foundation
and local Irish groups plan to take to the streets for Pattaya’s annual
St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Father Ray representative Ajjima Chaowalitthumrong said the March 17
celebration is funded by 2 million baht from city hall for the fourth
consecutive year. Ajjima said no fewer than 30 floats are expected for
the parade, which will be filmed live.
This year’s parade route will begin on Second Road at the Alcazar
Theatre and turn onto Soi 4 before marching down Beach Road to Walking
Street. The parade then turns on South Road and ends at Pattaya School
No. 8.
Two lanes of traffic will be closed for the parade, which runs from
3-4:30 p.m.
All marchers and floats will be decked out in the traditional green. A
marching band comprised of students from all Pattaya public schools will
help pump up the volume.
The opening ceremony kicks off at 2 p.m. in front of the Alcazar Theatre
where a beer-drinking competition will be held. Closing ceremonies will
be held at Pattaya School No. 8, offering prize drawings and awards to
the best floats.
