Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and Deputy
Mayor Wattana Chantanawaranon release a krathong at Lan Pho Public Park,
officially launching this year’s Loy Krathong festival on Sunday, Nov. 17.
Despite requests to keep festivities to a minimum in respect for the late
Supreme Patriarch, romance prevailed when locals and tourists celebrated as
usual, launching flower-and-incense floats, reveling in the most romantic day in
Thailand.
Pattaya Mail Team
Romance prevailed over mourning as Pattaya celebrated Loy Krathong.
Despite official requests to keep festivities to a minimum in respect for the
late Supreme Patriarch of Thai Buddhism, locals and tourists celebrated as
usual, launching flower-and-incense floats and reveling in Thailand’s version of
Valentine’s Day.
Krathongs floated on and above the water all around Pattaya, with vendors
offering boats of flowers and incense for as little as 50 baht. Women dressed in
traditional Thai costumes and couples waded out into the water to send their
romantic wishes afloat.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome presided over the city’s official Loy Krathong event at
Lan Po Park in Naklua where float-makers competed to see who could produce the
most beautiful and creative krathongs.
More than 20 groups of elementary and high school students and the general
public vied for prizes as the public snapped photos.
The elementary school competition was won by Wat Po 1, with Pikulmuang 8 and
Pattaya School No. 2 earning second and third, respectively.
At the high school level, Pattaya School No. 2 won again, with second going to
Wat Po 2 and third to Pattaya School No. 5.
The Ratchapreuk team won the public category, followed by the Luang Pho Bunmee
and Srong Phra Charoen tea
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome plants
the winning flag onto Wat Photisampan 1 team’s krathong, the winner of krathong
contest at the elementary school level.
In the creative category, Sitsrisattamunee won first, the
Prang floral shop second and the Post Office Community third. The winner of each
level in both categories received plaques and 10,000 baht, 7,000 baht and 5,000
baht, respectively.
The mayor continued on to Bali Hai Pier for a subdued festival which this year
featured only a Young Miss Noppamas contest for young girls. Unlike previous
years, there were no cultural no shows and musical performances due to the
mourning period.
This year’s winner was Fahprathan Polaaharn, 9, who won a 10,000 baht
scholarship, plus two more awards for best dress and most talented. Finishing
1st runner-up was Lolna Chairat, 9; 2nd runner-up was Ms. Pischa Saetang, 8; 3rd
runner-up went to Yadakul Thanatpon, 7; 4th runner-up was Anyamanee Ellu, 9; and
Most Photogenic was Chayanut Thanyahan, 5.
Area hotels held their own private celebrations.
Amari Orchid Pattaya carried out the tradition of Loy Krathong festivities at
the pool of the hotel, led by GM Brendan Daly, who was joined by guests both
Thai and foreign, and all had a great time.
The Pattaya Floating Market also proved a popular dispatch point for krathongs.
The amusement attraction organized its own beauty pageant, with Pattreeya
Namchaoren, 23, taking first. Ketsiri Suebpheng and Chanita Suankaewmanee took
second and third, respectively. Rinjai Sankarabut, 19, was awarded Miss Market
Sweetheart.
As always, Sattahip puts on a great
celebration.
Officials in Sattahip launch their
krathongs.
Good Pattaya citizens buy krathongs
made from natural materials hoping to preserve the world’s environment.
Members of the Pattaya School No. 2
team giggle with delight after it was announced they won the krathong contest at
the high school level.
A family prepares to set off a
khomloy on Pattaya Beach.
Students play traditional instruments
for their Sattahip performance.
The night sky is filled with dots of
light coming from the thousands of khomloys launched from Pattaya Beach.
Thousands of khomloys fill the night
sky.
Dancers stage a magnificent
performance of the ‘Night of Lights’, receiving loud applause from spectators,
echoing all over Bali Hai pier, where Pattaya’s Loy Krathong festival was held.
The Amari Orchid Pattaya staged a
traditional old country Loy Krathong celebration.
Pattreeya Namchaoren, 23, won the
Nang Noppamas contest at Pattaya’s Floating Market.
Amari Orchid Pattaya GM Brendan Daly
(center) awards winners of the hotel’s Nang Noppamas contest.
Chayanut Thanyahan (left), winner of
Miss Photogenic, and Fahprahtan Polaaharn (center), winner the Nu Noi Noppamas
contest at Bali Hai pier.
Lovers pose for a memorable photo on
this romantic night.
Tourists launch a khomloy into the
air for good luck on Pattaya Beach.
Fahprathan Polaaharn (left) won the
Nu Noi Noppamas contest at Bali Hai pier, plus two more awards for best dress
and most talented. Finishing 1st runner-up was Lolna Chairat (right).
Lan Pho Public Park is filled with
revelers.
A beautiful young maiden prepares to
loy her krathong at the A-One Royal Cruise Hotel.
Beautiful Nang Noppamas poses at the
A-One Royal Cruise Hotel.
People, young and old, enjoy the old
country atmosphere.
