Tradition triumphed over rain as Pattaya celebrated Loy Krathong with beauty contests, children’s shows and floating lanterns.
Top city, police and tourism officials led Pattaya’s official holiday celebration at Bali Hai Pier Nov. 28, which featured a child pageant, cultural shows and musical performances.
In the “Nang Noppamas” contest, 7-year-old Waralak Uthaensut won the 10,000-baht first-place prize for her performance of “Phra Baramee Maha Bhumibol” (Virtuous King Bhumibol). Lolana Chanarat, 7, performed a slow-motion walk with “Phaendin Thong Siam Naeramit” (Magical Land of Siam), winning 7,000 baht for second place while Nongnaphas Phiengphitak, 7, took third.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome announces the start of this year’s Loy Krathong festivities at Bali Hai, as high ranking police officials along with TAT staff and city councilors cheer him on.
The Yukolthum performing artists entertained by putting on a colorful show about the ancient history of Loy Krathong, known in the Sukhothai era as “Jomprieng”. Olives and Zeal provided the musical soundtrack.
Despite afternoon and evening rain, the celebrations spread out across the city, with Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh presiding over a “Theppabut Thepthida Duanpen” (Full Moon Boy and Girl Angel) contest at Royal Garden Plaza. Jarasrawee Thiemrat from Chonburi Kindergarten School and Jardina Frank, 9, from Satitudomsuksa School in Pattaya each won 6,000 first-place prizes.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome ceremonially floats the first krathong at Bali Hai to officially kick off this year’s Loy Krathong celebrations.
Later at the mall, the Lions Club of Pattaya-Taksin organized a blood drive, which collected 31,500 cc. of blood by 8 p.m.
Area hotels, such as the Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort, put on parties for their guests. General Manager Andre Brulhart served as master of ceremonies at Centara’s Miss Noppamas pageant for women. The contest was followed by the lighting of floating lamps and release of krathongs.
Krathongs floated on and above the water all around Pattaya, with vendors offering boats of flowers and incense for as little as 50 baht. Women dressed in traditional Thai costumes and couples waded out into the water to send their romantic wishes afloat.
The Pattaya Floating Market also proved a popular dispatch point for krathongs. The amusement attraction organized its own beauty pageant, with Saeleen Luthero, 21, winning first prize on the floating stage. Panthita Khomsamrit, 16, and Anchalee Wilkatch, 16, were runners up.
Waralak Uthaensut, 7, who won the Nang Noppamas contest at Bali Hai with her performance of Phra Baramee Maha Bhumibol (Virtuous King Bhumibol), receives her prizes from Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome.
Tourists prepare to release their khomloys for the first time.
Tourists light the candles and make their wish.
Tourists at Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens float their krathongs.
Lovely lasses create a picture perfect postcard of their Loy Krathong experience at Bali Hai in South Pattaya.
Pattaya Floating Market Nang Noppamas contestants (L to R) 1st runner-up Panthita Khomsamrit, 16, winner Saeleen Luthero, 21, and 2nd runner up Anchalee Wilkatch, 16, prepare to loy their krathongs.
A smile as bright as the local fireworks.
Dozens of khomloys are released into the night sky.
This scene from Loy Krathong last week is typical along Pattaya Beach on all major holidays – smoke fills the air from unregistered fireworks being shot off, up and down the beach, with the area sometimes resembling a war zone.
Many khomloys are lit at Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens, ready for release.
The Udom Bay Chonburi Yukolthum Performing Arts team gives a moving performance of an ancient Loy Krathong celebration, known in the Sukhothai era as “Jomprieng”.
Winner of the Theppabut Thepthida Duanpen (Full Moon Angel, girl) contest Jardina Frank, 9, from Satitudomsuksa School, Pattaya, receives the spoils of victory from Lions Club of Pattaya Taksin President Pacharanon Canachotphokin (2nd right) and Pattaya city council member Banjong Banthunprayukt (3rd right) along with members of the Lions Club at Royal Garden Plaza.
The Olive Girls get hearts racing with their performance at Bali Hai.
A grandmother with her family behind her prays before releasing her krathong.
Winner of the Theppabut Thepthida Duanpen (Full Moon Angel, boy) contest Jarasrawee Thiemrat, from Chonburi Kindergarten, receives his prizes from Pattaya city council member Banjong Banthunprayukt at Royal Garden Plaza.
Andre Brulhart (2nd right), General Manager of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, awards the winners of resort’s Nang Noppamas contest.
Revelers prepare to release their Khomloy on Pattaya Beach.
The Loy Krathong celebrations at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya feature a magical Thai dance.
Pattaya students donate blood as part of the Loy Krathong celebrations at Royal Garden Plaza.
The beach cleaners will have their work cut out for them come morning.
