More than 1,000 people are expected to join in a St. Patrick’s Day parade being organized by the Father Ray Foundation and area Irish clubs.
Foundation Acting President Rev. Peter Pattarapong Srivorakul and Vice President Rev. Michael Picharn Jaiseri met with Pattaya Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh Feb. 21 to work out the final details of the March 17 march, which could see as many as 40 floats and 100 flag bearers, Jaiseri said.
Rev. Michael Picharn Jaiseri will direct this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.
This year’s parade would follow a new route, abandoning Beach Road for a single traffic lane on Second Road from Pattaya School No. 8 at South Road to the Alcazar Theatre near Soi 5. Exact time for start of the green march has not been set, but will kick off no later than 2 p.m., Jaiseri said.
The charity’s involvement in the parade to celebrate a holiday so closely associated with green beer is due to the saint’s establishment of many churches and schools in Ireland, foundation officials said.
While organizers are hoping for a good turnout for the parade, they will have to compete with the Pattaya Music Festival, which takes over the city from Feb. 16-18.
