The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) opened the ‘Vijit Chao Phraya 2023’ extravagant light event last night with light-and-sound shows, projection mappings, fireworks display, and cultural performances at five main locations along the Chao Phraya River. The 31-night event will run until New Year’s Eve and will culminate in the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2024.
Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said “The Vijit Chao Phraya 2023 is an important element of the Thailand Winter Festival. Comprising five major events, this first-ever year-end spectacle symbolises the Thai government’s invitation to tourists from around the world to come and experience the vibrant festivities of Bangkok and ring in the New Year 2024 in Thailand.”
To mark the start of the Vijit Chao Phraya 2023 event, Ms. Sudawan led the TAT-hosted VIP and press tour along with the TAT’s Board members and executives. The specially arranged river cruise features grandiose light and colour shows at five main locations – Rama VIII Bridge, Wat Arun, Wichai Prasit Fort, Memorial Bridge, and River City Bangkok – as well as ICONSIAM.
Till 31 December 2023, visitors are welcome to immerse themselves in the nightly extravagant light shows at the five locations or across from each venue on the opposite side of the river. For the maximum experience, cruise operators are offering sightseeing cruises to view the shows. The event run from 18.00-22.00 Hrs. with unique activities for each location.
Rama VIII Bridge: Six rounds of a five-minute 3D laser show with light and sound every night. In addition, at Santichaiprakarn Park, there is the seven-minute cultural performance entitled ‘Miracle of Thailand’ with fireworks displays scheduled for four rounds nightly on 1-2, 7-9, 15-16, 22-23, and 29-30 December.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): Six rounds of a five-minute light up or light mapping show every night. A seven-minute light up and sound show along with the cultural performance entitled ‘Retelling the Legend of the Giant at Wat Chaeng Thepsathit on both sides of the Chao Phraya River’ is scheduled three rounds nightly on 1-2, 7-9, 15-16, 22-23, and 29-30 December.
Wichai Prasit Fort: Six rounds of a five-minute light up or light mapping show every night. And, on 1-2, 7-9, 15-16, 22-23, and 29-30 December, the schedules include three rounds of a five-minute projection mapping show and water curtain with light and sound.
Memorial Bridge (Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge): Six rounds of a five-minute illumination show with light and sound every night. The three-minute fireworks display is scheduled once nightly on 1-2, 7-9, 15-16, 22-23, and 29-30 December.
River City Bangkok: Six rounds of a five-minute projection mapping show with light and sound every night.
Along both sides of the Chao Phraya River, stretching from Rama III Bridge to Rama VIII Bridge, other landmarks including ICONSIAM, Asiatique the Riverfront Destination, Lhong 1919, the Royal Thai Navy Headquarters, and the Bank of Thailand Museum also joining in the light up activities at their venues.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said “TAT leverages the Thai soft powers to illustrate Thailand’s rich history and cultural heritage in a series of extravagant multimedia light shows. The Vijit Chao Phraya event is to accentuate the vibrant ambiances and colourful vibes of the Chao Phraya River, while helping to enhance business opportunities for boat excursions, dinner cruises, hotels, and riverside restaurants during this exciting time of the year. We hope the one-month event will result in at least 600 million Baht in tourism revenue.”
On 31 December, the Vijit Chao Phraya 2023 event will culminate in the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2024 with main activities scheduled at Wat Arun.
Follow the event’s official Facebook Page for updates at www.facebook.com/vijitchaophraya2023. (TAT)
