BANGKOK, Feb 14 – Bangrak, literally the “Village of Love,” is Bangkok’s favourite location for brides and grooms to register their marriages. The district registrar expects a turnout of at least 1,000 couples on the auspicious occasion of Valentine’s Day today.
The Communications Authority of Thailand’s historic building overlooking the scenic Chao Phraya River in Bangrak area was arranged by district officers as a special wedding registration venue for this special day when lucky couples will be entitled to 12 gold-laminated wedding certificates by drawing lots, one each every hour, until 7 pm today – the final hour of marriage registration.
To avoid jinxing the mood of love, Bangrak district office bluntly announced it will not issue any divorce registrations today, no matter what.
The first couple to be registered for eternal love are Parichat Punokyung and Poonthip Bunsoi who had been patiently waiting since 11pm yesterday.
Suachana Sudcharoen, Bangrak district chief, said the 12 gold-covered wedding certificates are given with the compliments of the Thai Gem and Jewellery Traders Association.
There are many other consolation prizes–tickets for lovely meals at restaurants and hotels in Bangrak, health checkup coupons, free photo sessions at wedding studios and even house insurance.
Many couples made use of the romantic background of the River of Kings in taking photographs as memorabilia.
