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.