PATTAYA — Pattaya City will go ahead with its annual International Fireworks Festival next month, but the celebration will take on a more solemn tone to honor the late Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, officials said Monday.
Mayor Poramet Ngampichet said the festival will take place as planned on November 28–29 along Pattaya Beach Road in Chonburi Province. However, the program has been modified to reflect national mourning.
The event will open with a special performance titled “The Light of Eternal Royalty,” symbolizing light, love, loyalty and gratitude for Her Majesty’s lifelong devotion. It will also feature Khon, Thailand’s traditional masked dance drama that Queen Sirikit helped preserve as a cherished cultural heritage.
Poramet urged visitors to dress respectfully, wearing either one of the eight styles of royal Thai dress adorned with a black ribbon or simple, modest attire.
“Pattaya is a tourism city. This festival must balance the economy and people’s emotions,” Poramet said. “Thais are loyal and deeply love Her Majesty. We will make this year’s festival dignified and beautiful, worthy of her memory.”
The announcement followed controversy over the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) decision to postpone “Vijit Chao Phraya 2025,” a 15-location fireworks event along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River originally scheduled for November 1 to December 15. TAT later rescheduled the event to begin on December 1 after public criticism.
One widely shared post came from celebrity and Chao Phraya Cruises owner Aun Phuwanat Kunpalin, who wrote:
“If I were the government, I would not cancel national events. I would make them even grander — as celebrations of the Queen’s glorious reign, so Thais can remember and the world can better know Thailand.”
Tourism and Sports Minister Attakorn Sirilattayakorn said upcoming events like Loy Krathong, New Year’s countdowns and Songkran 2026 may proceed but should tone down overly festive elements.
“Fireworks can still be used, just with softer tones and moderation,” he said. “If they are used to honor the Queen, that would be most welcome.”
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