Lovebirds found Valentine’s Day in Pattaya a sobering experience, as the romantic holiday coincided with one of the holiest Buddhist days of the year. But in some places, love prevailed.
The Banglamung District Office – which usually closes every legal holiday – actually opened on Makha Bucha Day to accommodate couples wanting to marry on Valentine’s Day.
“Since we believe that people today give much importance to getting married on Valentine’s Day, we decided to open for marriages only,” District Chief Sakchai Taengho said. “People get married on this day because they believe that Valentine’s Day is a symbol of love and stability in married life. The office was filled with lovers getting married and I would like to remind everyone that marriage requires patience and understanding for a long and sustainable love.”
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome (4th right), Richard Margo (5th right), Resident Manager at Amari Orchid Pattaya, and Theeraporn Jitnawa (3rd right), general manger of Central Festival Pattaya Beach, cut the garland opening Valentine’s Day 2014: Love Destination, with guests at Central Festival Pattaya Beach.
Newlyweds Surachat and Asara Sopharak were glad the office did open. “We chose this year’s Valentine’s Day to get married because it is an international celebration and also an important day for Buddhism, a day of prosperity.”
Those not ready to tie the knot also found a few ways to mark the occasion.
Banglamung District Chief Sakchai Taengho (right), giving thoughtful advice to couples getting married on Valentine’s Day.
The intersection of Central and Beach Road was decorated in red and white with a “Pattaya in Love” banner hoisted so tourists could take photos for Valentine’s Day. A large number of them did just that.
(L to R) Surachat and Asara Sopharak pose for a picture with Banglamung District Chief Sakchai Taengho after having gotten married at Banglamung office.
At Central Festival Pattaya Beach, Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome, Amari Orchid Resort & Tower Residence Manager Richard Margo and mall General Manager Theeraporn Jitnawa hosted a wedding fair featuring Thai, Chinese and Indian styles, a long-drum procession, a Japanese paper wedding dress show by Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi students, stage performances and ice sculptures.
The event also featured shirt painting for charity, with proceeds going to the Camillian Social Center and Foundation in Rayong.
Banglamung District Office was busy on Valentine’s Day.
Richard Margo, Resident Manager at Amari Orchid Pattaya, talks about the importance of organizing “Valentine’s Day 2014: Love Destination”.
A Russian couple poses for a commemorative Valentine’s photo at Pattaya Beach.
Thai traditional dancers gracefully perform as part of the long-drum procession – a Thai wedding tradition.
Beautiful models display a Japanese paper wedding dress created by a student from Rajamangala University of Technology in Thanyaburi.
The intersection of Central and Beach Road was decorated in red and white with a “Pattaya in Love” banner hoisted so tourists could take photos for Valentine’s Day.
Groom and bride smile happily during Thai wedding ceremonies.
