More than 50 balloonists from around the globe filled the Pattaya sky with light, music and wonder as the 4th Pattaya International Balloon Festival lifted off.
The colorful balloons, in all shapes and sizes, delighted visitors to Thammasart University’s Pattaya campus Jan. 13-16. Exhibits included a “light and sound” model balloon show and the ever-popular “nightglow” parade of beauty and light.
“Flying Fantasy” was the theme for this year’s 4th annual Pattaya International Balloon Festival. Some 50 balloons from all over the world took part, adding a rainbow of color to the Pattaya sky.
The event, sponsored by the Aeronautic Sports Association of Thailand, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Pattaya and local businesses, fleshed out its “Flying Fantasy” theme by adding an international kite exhibition, parachuting exhibition, dancing by children from the Father Ray Foundation, paramotoring show and model airplanes. The festive atmosphere included beer tents for the adults and balloon creating clowns on stilts for the children.
The festival drew a large crowd of fans and enthusiasts, including members of skydiving and model airplane clubs.
Singer Paiboon Kiewkaew gives a fun-filled performance.
A beautiful long line of kites stretches up into the sky.
This cartoon shaped balloon certainly attracts people’s attention.
That’s a huge kite to try to control.
The balloons begin to take flight.
This guy is obviously having fun with his model airplane.
Paramotors from Thailand descend back to terra firma.
Pattaya Mail’s Tony Malhotra (right) and the pilots (l-r) Sobri Saad, ‘Rudy’ Khairudin Bin Abd Rani and Bob Borham prepare for a quick flight.
Stilted clowns kept things light.
Children from the Father Ray Foundation perform for the audience.
Up, up and away!
Colorful balloons prepare for takeoff.
As the sun sets, the spectacular light show begins.
Miss Piggy could be seen from miles away.
A “scary” Halloween jackolantern looks real.
The colorful night show is a sight to behold.
More than 50 balloonists from around the globe filled the Pattaya sky with light.
