The night sky over Pattaya
Bay, from the Dusit peninsula to Bali Hai, was brightened by amazingly
brilliant fireworks last weekend, when teams from 4 countries put on a
colorful show for the annual Pattaya International Fireworks Festival.
Phasakorn Channgam
Pattaya’s skies glowed red, blue and white as four nations
painted pyrotechnic pictures at the Pattaya International Fireworks
Festival.
Japan, the Philippines, Switzerland and Taiwan combined to win many
oohs, aahs and cheers from thousands of people lining Pattaya Bay for
the Nov. 29-30 event. Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome estimated the show
brought 200 million in tourist revenue into the city.
Itthiphol, his brother Wittaya, the president of the Chonburi Provincial
Administration Organization, Tourism Authority of Thailand Pattaya
Director Auttaphol Wannakij and Angkur Srikalyanabut of sponsor Thai
Life Insurance Co. presided over the opening ceremony before Taiwan and
Japan kicked off the show.
Both countries blasted unique, overlapping and complicated designs into
the night sky, forming shapes and pictures that drew loud applause for
the 20-minute show.
Next up was Switzerland and the Japan, which combined shells to form
clear shapes at high altitudes, impressing crowds trying to capture the
rockets’ red glare on their phone cameras. The photographers who lined
the walkway under the Pattaya City sign armed with pro-quality gear
fared better.
The same three countries, with the addition of the Philippines, combined
for more displays on the second night, with Taiwan and Switzerland
hoisting a blue note into the sky before turning the entire landscape
into a reflection of the blue Thai sea.
The “Rhythm to Brighten One’s Life” show continued with Japan and the
Philippines using computers to launch cute and eye-popping patterns
safely before the crowds.
Japan’s performance highlighted lines, lights, bright colors, and
excitement while Taiwan mimicked the color of flowers while Switzerland
turned up the temperature with hot, exciting explosions.
Itthiphol said the show, now in its fifth year, has been a steady draw
for tourists during high season.
