Bishop Emeritus Lawrence Thienchai Samanjit
celebrates mass at St. Nicholas Church.
Warunya Thongrod &
Vittaya Yoondorn
Christmas may not be a legal holiday in Thailand, but thousands of tourists and
residents still get into full spirit for the Dec. 25 occasion, despite
unseasonably warm temperatures that made it hard to imagine the North Pole.
Main roads from Naklua to Jomtien Beach were fitted with Christmas trees while
loudspeakers blared holiday carols, infusing Pattaya with the holiday
atmosphere. Hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and beer bars across the area were a
sea of red Santa hats, with plenty of would-be elves decked out in red-and-while
miniskirts as well.
At the Dusit Thani Hotel, General Manager Chatchawan Supachayanont organized a
Christmas party featuring international cuisine, with guests at pool side
dressed to impress. Santa Claus made his visit and the hotel entertained with
concerts and magic shows, as well as prize drawings.
At the Holiday Inn Pattaya, General Manager Garth Solly celebrated with family
visiting from India. Santa and Santarina handed out gifts to children around the
Christmas tree as cellos and guitars played carols in the background.
Down the road at Diana Inn, Managing Director Sopin Thappajug hosted a fireworks
display during a party featuring Maori dancers, dance performances and songs
from Father Ray Foundation children.
Of course, most the merry making went on outdoors on Walking Street where
businesses offered special promotions, booths sold costumes and novelty gifts.
Police swarmed the area to keep the mood festive.
Many also remembered the Christian religious nature of the holiday and marked
the birth of Jesus Christ at their local churches, such as the mass held at St.
Nikolas Church.
Amazing acrobatics are part of the Christmas show at
Dusit Thani Hotel, Pattaya.
Maori dancers perform on Christmas Day at the Diana
Inn.
Vendors line Walking Street, selling Christmas hats.
It’s a festive Christmas atmosphere on Walking
Street..
Tourists certainly enjoy themselves celebrating
Christmas on Walking Street.
This boy is truly excited to meet Santa Claus at
Dusit Thani Hotel, Pattaya.
Women dress in their best Christmas outfits to
perform their special show at Dusit Thani Hotel, Pattaya.
Children from the Father Ray Foundation sing
Christmas carols at Diana Inn Hotel.
A beautiful nativity scene at St. Nicholas Church.
Street performers block the way along Walking
Street, making it difficult to get past. Some people enjoy it, though.
Tourist police and volunteers are out in full force
to assist tourists along Walking Street.
Catholics celebrate mass at St. Nicholas Church.
Pattaya Orphanage children sing Christmas carols at
St. Nicholas Church.
Youngsters dress in their favorite Christmas
costumes during mass at St. Nicholas Church.
Staff at the Holiday Inn sing Christmas carols to
bring happiness to customers on Christmas Day.
Santarinas distribute gingerbread men during
Christmas at Holiday Inn.
Diana Inn MD Sopin Thappajug (center) celebrates
Christmas with friends and guests at Diana Inn.
Holiday Inn General Manager Garth Solly (left) and
his family pose with Santa for Christmas.