Fireworks

Fireworks is one way that Thai people observe important events, they will fire them off for any and all special occasions.  The first time I observed this phenomenon was on December 5th, the King's Birthday.  His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, celebrated his 84th birthday this year, and it was cause for much celebration, including many firework displays throughout Thailand.  The King is also the longest reigning monarch in the world and is much beloved by his people.  In celebration of his birthday, lighted displays went up the week before his birthday throughout the city, similar to American Christmas decorations - and the fireworks started around 8pm on the evening of the 5th.  Because we live on a hill overlooking Pattaya, Jomtien and the coastline, the fireworks were visible everywhere, popping up not only along the coast, but in backyards and city streets, everyone wants to explode fireworks, and not just little firecrackers, but giant, exploding and very loud fireworks, all to honor the King!

International Fireworks Contest, Dec. 16-17, 2011

The next opportunity to observe this love for fireworks was the weekend of the International Fireworks Competition, on December 16-17, held in honor of the King and Queen.  This was a competition between 10 countries, held over two nights, to determine which country had the best fireworks display.  Competing countries were: Australia, Chile, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Philippines, UAE, USA and Thailand - all competing to determine which country had the most beautiful, dynamic and colorful exhibition of fireworks.  It was an amazing two nights of fireworks, fired off from barges in the Pattaya Bay and visible for miles.  Imagine the Detroit Freedom Festival Fireworks times 10! 


The third opportunity to observe the fireworks fascination was from Christmas to New Year's.  Each evening, a different hotel would put on a fireworks display over the ocean, each trying to out-perform the other.  New Year's Eve fireworks started at 8pm, and with a massive crescendo at midnight.  It seemed as if everyone wanted to get in on the action, even our neighbors were blasting off fireworks.  The displays and the noise, continued through New Year's Day - noisy but very colorful!