Pattaya officials are planning traditional and athletic events to mark HM the King’s 85th birthday Dec. 5.
At an Oct. 12 planning meeting at city hall, Deputy Mayor Wattana Chantanawaranon said Pattaya’s Father’s Day commemoration would be split into two parts, with ceremonies to pay respect to HM the King in the morning and a walk-run preceding fireworks in the evening.
Banglamung District Chief Chawalit Saeng-Uthai will lead the morning flower-and-incense presentation at the Banglamung District Office in the morning. Then, at 5 p.m., the Tourism Authority of Thailand will kick off the Father’s Day Walk-Run at its Pattaya office on Pratamnak Hill.
Runners will follow Second Road to Central Road, then swing back on Beach Road. As they pass Royal Garden Plaza, walkers will start their march. Runners will finish their race at the TAT office, while walkers will head to Bali Hai Pier for the evening celebration.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome will lead the Bali Hai ceremony at 5:30 p.m., where 1,000 fireworks will be set off around 8:30 p.m.
At the meeting, Wattana also outlined initial plans for Pattaya’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, which usually cap a week-long Pattaya Countdown party.
The deputy mayor said the Dec. 31 events will include merit-making at Lan Po Park in Naklua, Chaimongkol Temple in South Pattaya and Krathingthong Temple in Jomtien Beach. At 8:30 p.m., he added, Itthiphol will appear at a Bali Hai event.
“The celebration of HM the King’s birthday is a responsibility of all citizens and government officials to express their loyalty to HM the King, who is loved by all,” Wattana said. “Pattaya has prepared many amazing activities to honor HM the King on his 85th birthday.”
