Pattaya residents will march, run and light candles to honor HM the King on his 86th birthday Dec. 5.
Athletes will leave the starting line first, running through downtown beginning at 3:30 p.m. before turning over Beach Road to the annual Father’s Day parade at 5 p.m. Festivities will follow at Bali Hai Pier, capped by fireworks at 8 p.m.
The afternoon race begins at the Tourism Authority of Thailand Pattaya office on Pratamnak Road. Participants will run up Second Road, turning left on Central Road and again onto Beach Road. The race continues through Walking Street, past Bali Hai and returns to the finish line at the TAT office.
Police will close the southern half of Beach Road from 5-6 p.m. for the candle parade, which begins at Royal Garden Plaza and proceeds to Bali Hai Pier for snacks, beverages and the evening’s main event.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome will begin ceremonies at 7:30 p.m., followed by traditional music from the Yotatit band. After the music, public officials will dedicate the “poppadum” flower-and-incense cone before a portrait of HM Bhumibol Adulyadej. Itthiphol will make remarks and the Yotatit band will return for the national anthem.
Candle-lightings follow as the entire crowd unites to sing the royal hymn. Fireworks close out the evening.
