Visitors from all over the Kingdom and from around the world descended on Pattaya by the thousands for the opening of the 19th Annual Pattaya Festival on 14 April 2000.

Governor Sujarit Pachimnan (center), Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat (front right) and the city council announce the proceedings are underway.

The ceremony began at 5.00 p.m. on center stage at Beach Road. Deputy Minister of Interior Sonthaya Khunpleum opened the festival whilst Chonburi Governor Sujarit Pachimnan announced the proceedings with Pattaya City Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat welcoming the crowd.

Guests included the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Tourism, Santsak Ngamphiches and members of the City Council.

The Pattaya Sports Club sponsored a beautiful entry in the parade.

The festival was organized with the combined cooperation from the city administration, local businesses and various charitable organizations. The activities formed a carnival atmosphere with a theme representing traditional customs and culture from around the Kingdom.

The parade participants formed into groups near Soi 3, and then 20 floats and 21 groups of marchers headed down Beach Road as crowds of tourists lined both sides of the street. Naklua, Pattaya and Jomtien Beach areas were inundated with booths selling food, beverages and merchandise with exhibits and traditional handicrafts.

Deputy Minister of Interior Sonthaya Khunpleum strikes the long drums officially opening the Pattaya Festival 2000.

Awarded 1st place in the parade was float number 2 from Nong Nooch Village aptly titled �Songkran Extravaganza�. The float won 30,000 baht cash and a trophy from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The 2nd place award went to entry #4 from Muang Jamlong and 3rd place to #1 from the Royal Cliff Beach Resort Hotel.