New Party Aims to Cut No. of Soldiers, Prosecute Coup Leaders

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17 December 2018, 15:01

Party spokesperson Pannika Wanich, left, and Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit at the announcement of its party policies Sunday in Bangkok.

BANGKOK — Reforming the armed forces, undoing the junta’s deeds and prosecuting coup leaders were among key policies a new party announced it would implement if it wins elections slated for February.

In its first comprehensive policy announcement, made Sunday at Queen Sirikit Convention Center, Future Forward Party also said it would make car ownership in Bangkok unnecessary with a push for more extensive public transportation services.

It vowed to work to break the monopoly of big businesses, reduce work hours from 48 hours to 40 hours weekly, end the use of plastic bags in 10 years and ensure a transparent bidding process for government projects and concession.

It also vowed to promote freedom of expression by reforming the Computer Crime Act, although it said it wouldn’t touch the controversial royal defamation, or lese majeste, law.

“There’s still no party policy to amend [the lese majeste] law,” Future Forward Party spokesperson Pannika Wanich said during a question and answer session.

Most ambitious and controversial among the party’s 12 main policies was its promise to halve the number of military officers from 330,000 to 170,000. The party also promised to reduce the number of generals from 600 to 400 and end compulsory military conscription except during wartime.

The party also reiterated its policy seeking to draft a new charter.

Party secretary general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul said drafting a new charter requires two referendums: The first on whether the public supports the idea of drafting a new referendum and the second on the new charter. He said voters would elect new charter drafters, unlike the current charter – which was written by appointees of junta leader Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Piyabutr also said that if elected, the party would seek to remove Article 279 of the current charter – which grants amnesty to junta members – to clear the way to prosecute the coup leaders. On the other hand, the party said it would seek to end all prosecutions against those charged and detained for criticizing or opposing the junta during the past four years.

“Innocent people who were damaged by the use of the power of the National Council for Peace and Order will be redressed,” Piyabutr said, using the acronym of the ruling junta.

It will also seek to make it a rule for courts to take up any treason case filed by the public within 24 hours in the event of a future coup.

Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, who is being put forward by the party as a PM candidate, said the party expects to win more than 50 seats, based on polling.

“But we still have 70 days to go,” Thanathorn said.

Thanathorn formerly served on the board of Matichon Group, the parent company of Khaosod English.

Democracy Activists Intercepted En Route to Rajabhakti Park

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JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI

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17 December 2018, 13:55

Sirawith “Ja New” Seritiwat, third from right, sits with his supporters Sunday in front of Khao Yoi police station in Phetchaburi province.

PHETCHABURI — Pro-democracy activists were intercepted Sunday while traveling to the army’s historical park in Prachuap Khiri Khan, which was engulfed in corruption scandals.

Sirawith “Ja New” Seritiwat of the New Democracy Movement, said he and 13 other people were blocked more than once on the way from Bangkok to the Rajabhakti Park. Their bus was stopped several hours at Khao Yoi police station in Phetchaburi until late afternoon, making them unable to reach their destination, he said.

Local police and soldiers said the inspection was carried out following a report that a political movement was heading to the park, which features gigantic statues of seven former Thai kings. The construction project was reported in 2016 for irregularities in its funding – including unusually expensive materials and shady commissions.

Sirawith said officers first stopped them in Ratchaburi province to raid their bus and collect urine samples to test for drugs before letting them go. He said they were blocked again in Phetchaburi province and went through the same process, only this time their driver was charged for driving with an expired license, forcing them to discontinue their journey.

“I believe they did it out of spite, to stop us from going to the Rajabhakti Park,” he said, adding that they were going for a “leisure trip” not for a political purpose.

In 2015, Sirawith and his supporters were arrested aboard a train in Ratchaburi province while embarking for the park to stage a protest over its alleged corruption.

Khao Yoi police chief Col. Somkiat Chomchai could not be reached for comment as of publication time.

Rajabhakti Scandal: Military Closes Park ‘For Maintenance,’ Detains Dozens of Activists

French City Honors Victims of Christmas Market Attack

By

Associated Press

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17 December 2018, 11:20

Residents react Sunday during a gathering in a central square of the eastern French city of Strasbourg. Photo: Jean-Francois Badias / Associated Press

PARIS — People filled a square in the French city of Strasbourg on Sunday to show respect and sympathy for the victims of last week’s shooting attack near a famous Christmas market as the death toll rose to five.

French authorities said a Polish man died in a Strasbourg hospital Sunday, one of a dozen people wounded in last Tuesday’s attack. Poland’s Foreign Ministry extended condolences Sunday on Twitter to his family.

According to the newspaper DNA, more than 1,000 people attended the memorial, which ended with a minute of applause and a rendition of France’s national anthem, “La Marseillaise.”

The hour-long ceremony took place in Kleber Square, not far from where a gunman opened fire on Tuesday evening. Strasbourg Mayor Roland Ries praised the city’s resilience in the face of hardship.

The “extremely large crowd in the Christmas market” on Saturday “was an illustration of our commitment to these values ??on which our living together is based, which we will continue to defend against all those who want to attack it,” Ries said.

An extensive manhunt for the gunman ended Thursday night when the main suspect, Strasbourg-born Cherif Chekatt, 29, was killed in a shootout with police in the city neighborhood where he grew up.

The attack remains under investigation. The Paris prosecutor’s office said two people who were close Chekatt were released from custody Sunday “in the absence of incriminating elements at this stage.”

Only one of the seven people authorities detained while searching for Chekatt was still being held.

Chekatt’s parents and two of his brothers, who were held for questioning for several days, were released Saturday.

The attack victims came from multiple countries: One of the dead was a tourist from Thailand. Another was an Italian journalist covering the European Parliament based in Strasbourg. The latest to die from his injuries was a Pole named Barto Orent-Niedzielski, according to the Strasbourg regional administration, or prefecture.

Polish news agency PAP identified him as a 36-year-old originally from Katowice, Poland. His brother Jakub had been posting updates on his condition on Facebook since the attack, and suggested Saturday that the family was considering when to end Orent-Niedzielski’s life support.

Then Sunday, Jakub shared the following note: “My brother Bartek Orent-Niedzielski has just left us. He thanks you for your love and the strength you brought him. He will always be there, watching over us, and will continue to bring us his joy. Thanks to everyone.”

In response, online condolences poured in.

Philippines’ Catriona Gray Crowned Miss Universe 2018

By

Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

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17 December 2018, 10:20

Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray is crowned Miss Universe 2018 on Monday at Impact Muang Thong Thani.

BANGKOK — The representative of the Philippines won this year’s Miss Universe contest Monday in Bangkok.

Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray, 24, was crowned Miss Universe 2018 in the pageant’s final round at Impact Muang Thong Thani, becoming the fourth Filipino to win the crown.

The final three, Philippines, South Africa and Venezuela all answered the same question, “What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your life and how would you apply it to your time as Miss Universe?

Gray answered that due to her working in Manila slums, she would try to teach people to see the silver lining in their life.

South Africa’s Tamaryn Green and Venezuela’s Sthefany Gutierrez were the first and second runners up respectively.

The final five, Puerto Rico, Vietnam, Philippines, South Africa and Venezuela answered topical social and political questions, including ones about press freedom, #MeToo and marijuana legalization.

On the importance press freedom following the amount of jailed journalists in 2018, Puerto Rico said the media had a right to inform the public. Gray was asked about marijuana legalization.

“I’m for its medical use but not so much for recreation,” Gray answered, comparing marijuana to cigarettes and alcohol. “Everything is good, in moderation.”
For the first time, judges were all women, including Richelle Louise Singson-Michael, Filipinos aviation CEO and American Janaye Ingram, a Women’s March founder.

The top 20 were reduced to 10 after they gave a 15-second answer about a personal fact they wanted to tell the world. Vietnam talked about how she was an ethnic minority who chose an education over getting married at 14, while Canada talked about being a biomedical engineer.

The chosen 10 were South Africa, Vietnam, Venezuela, Philippines, Costa Rica, Curacao, Nepal, Canada, Thailand and Puerto Rico.

The top 20 semi-finalists – five each from Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia-Pacific and a wildcard category — included Poland (a first for the country), Belgium, Great Britain, Hungary, Ireland, Jamaica, United States, Indonesia, Brazil and Australia.

“If they ever give you a really, really important envelope, try to read it carefully,” Costa Rica riffed Harvey when asked if she had a tip for him as a fellow TV host.

“I’m good. I’m a little hungry,” Miss Universe Thailand 2018 Sophida “Ning” Kanchanarin said after getting picked.

Neither Angela Ponce from Spain – the pageant’s first transgender contestant – nor crowd favorite Tresji Sejdini from Albania made the cut.

Ninety-four countries participated, a record high in the pageant’s 66-year history. Over the past month they’ve been in Thailand doing photo ops around Bangkok, Krabi and Pattaya, including the Un Ai Rak winter fair.

This year’s pageant was the first time the final rounds were held in Thailand since 2005 and 1992. Thailand won the crown twice in 1965 and 1988, when the events were held in Florida and Taipei, respectively.

Organizers TPN Group said the contest cost 500 million baht to host this year.

Gray’s appearances on stage were all met with deafening cheers and screams for the Filipino-Australian beauty, especially when she wore her high-slit ruby evening dress.

Gray, 24, was also Miss World Philippines in 2016. She’s the first Filipino to win both Miss World Philippines and Miss Universe Philippines.

TV host Steve Harvey hosted the event.

“I have been working on my respectful Thai bow,” Harvey said, before wai-ing and saying “sawasdee krap” and “khob khun krap.”

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Politician Acquitted Over Missing Plaque Remarks

By

Teeranai Charuvastra, News Chief

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15 December 2018, 12:33

Reporters take pictures of the new plaque replacing the one marking 1932 revolution.

BANGKOK — A former Pheu Thai MP was acquitted Friday of sedition and cybercrimes for questioning what happened to a historic plaque that went missing in April 2017.

In its ruling, the court said Watana Muangsook, 61, was expressing opinion within legal boundaries when he criticized the police for failing to find the plaque, which marked the overthrow of the absolute monarchy in 1932.

The court then dismissed all charges against Watana.

The object disappeared under mysterious circumstances and was never found again. It was replaced by a new plaque bearing pro-monarchy messages. In a response to Khaosod English’s request to view CCTV records of the area, the City Hall said no such footage existed.

Related stories:
Why Was the 1932 Revolution Plaque So Important?

Opinion: Now We’re All Suckers For Power

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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15 December 2018, 08:00

Junta chairman Prayuth Chan-ocha poses in a boat Wednesday during a tour of Bueng Kan province.

It is good that politicians can finally legally meet to discuss policies and prepare for the election. It is good that more than four people can gather to express themselves without fear of arrest. It is good that nearly five years of direct military rule will likely be over soon as prospects grow for an election in late February.

Yet the very act of lifting political ban relies on another use of absolute power by junta leader Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha – all of which are abuses of power – deepening the reliance on unaccountable dictatorial power.

We are still living in Juntaland, where our dependence on arbitrary and illegitimate power is getting worse. Many have become addicted to the junta leader’s absolute dictatorial power, codified as Article 44 in the now-defunct post-coup charter and preserved in the charter pushed through by the junta in 2017. Many have become suckers for autocratic power to the point that some activists even complain Prayuth is not using it enough. They want him to wield his magic pen to end prosecution, such as sedition charges, against critics and opponents of military rule and calling Prayuth to use it.

As someone who is being charged with sedition for having criticized the junta, I find it appalling. Increasing use of dictatorial power doesn’t make things right or democratic.

This absolute power will be around, at least until the day when an elected government starts their first day of cabinet work. Which means, if Prayuth changes his mind due to unsavory election results or for whatever reason, he could still foolishly attempts to prevent an elected government from running the country. Thailand is still at the mercy of this emotionally-volatile dictator and even with political ban lifted, the self-style National Council for Peace and Order still reserves the power to detain anyone without charge for “attitude adjustment” for up to seven days.

So let us not celebrate prematurely and remind ourselves that genuine freedom and democracy cannot be attained by begging but only through fighting and insisting on our inalienable political rights.

The abuse of dictatorial power continued even on the day the junta leader uses his absolute power to lift the ban on political gatherings. Also on Tuesday, Prayuth used his illegitimate power to amend the new anti-graft law to exempt members of state university councils from having to declare assets, thus making a mockery of the junta’s claim to want to eradicate corruption.

Basically the kingdom continues to be trapped in an environment where the repeated use of absolute power has rendered logic and accountability redundant – where there is no beginning and no ending. It is hard for anyone to merely deny the existence of such dictatorial power by merely condemning it as illegitimate and hope it will merely go away, however. Nearly five years of abuse of absolute power with zero accountability leaves a lasting effect on Thai society by making many, even those against the junta, unwittingly see it as a quick fix for society’s ills.

Even the man who has exercised the very dictatorial power has become addicted to its use. Dictator Prayuth declared months ago that he is now a “politician” and yet continues to retain this power as a dictator. Prayuth, like those seeing the use of absolute power as a quick fix, wants to have it both ways as both dictator and politician, at whatever cost to Thailand, at least for the next few months.

Reporter’s Notebook: Champs-Elysees After Yellow Vest Protests (Photos)

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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14 December 2018, 16:48

A photo of a vandalized shop Sunday in Paris, France.

Editor’s note: Khaosod English senior staff writer Pravit Rojanaphruk was on holiday in Paris last week and brings his account of the massive anti-government protests which have disrupted the capital.

PARIS — Less than 10 hours had passed since the so-called yellow vests marched down Paris’ Champ-Elysees Avenue. As I crossed the Alexandre III Bridge toward the avenue at dawn on Sunday, two dozen police vans filled with anti-riot police were still camped outside the Grand Palais and Petit Palais – just in case.

What was clear was that shops along the Champs-Elysees were determined to resume business as usual as quickly as possible that morning despite the estimated 10,000 protesters who had angrily descended onto the avenue for the third time the day before to demand better standards of living and express outrage at what they perceive as “President for the Rich” Emmanuel Macron’s fuel tax and more.

Many shops were well-prepared and had boarded up their front display windows. Most impressive were Omega and Louis Vuitton’s Flagship store on the avenue.

Rolex may be known for its virtually indestructible oyster watch case, but at the Omega shop, unlike the avenue’s other luxury good purveyors, had installed a solid steel board to keep its windows from being destroyed and watches snatched.

This Sunday photo shows the streets of Paris, France after protests erupted the night before.

At the Louis Vuitton flagship store, just a short stroll from Paris’ equally iconic 50-meter Arc de Triomphe, commissioned in 1806 to celebrate Napoleon’s victories, managed to outdo even Omega’s. Its storefronts had sturdy metal mesh installed to prevent protesters from smashing the glass while still able to tempting passers-by to window shop.

By 8:30am, some workers were already removing the wooden boards in order to return to normal after a lost Saturday. Some workers were scrubbing vile graffiti against Macron from the beautiful stone buildings lining the avenue, which originated in 1667 for the Sun King, Louis XIV, and came to be as it is today over a century and a half ago in the 1830s.

A French TV reporter grabbed me to ask on camera what I thought. I said it’s unfortunate that some protesters resorted to vandalism which will not endear them to the general public, but hoped the French people could find a peaceful end to the conflict.

Off the camera, I asked the male French reporter how it would end. He didn’t know.

What’s apparent to me is the resilience of Parisienne shops along the Champ Elysees are intent on getting back on their feet, particularly with Christmas just around the corner.

The state of various shops Sunday morning at the Champs Elysees following protests the day before in Paris, France.

True enough, by 9am, hordes of Chinese visitors were pouring from buses onto the avenue to take pictures and selfies before the Arc de Triomphe, despite the smashed window of a still-closed cafe with a sign in French stating: “Continuous Service.”

One day, the images of protests and vandalism could make for good postcards for sale at some of the souvenir shops along the avenue itself.

Some may say the fast-food restaurants, the pricey car dealerships and big movie complexes as well as the hordes of rowdy Asian tourists are doing more damage to Champs-Elysees than the protesters ever could – but that’s up for debate.

Clash of the Bureaucrats: Gov’t House Turns Into ROV Battle Arena

By

Teeranai Charuvastra, News Chief

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14 December 2018, 16:27

Original cartoon image: Kaimaew / Facebook

BANGKOK — Months after the junta chairman was spotted waving a glowstick to J-pop beats, the Government House sought to burnish its nerd credentials again today with bureaucrats clashing in a esports competition right in the regime’s halls of power.

For their annual sports tournament, staff attached to the cabinet competed Friday afternoon in the game of Realm of Valor, or ROV, a popular competitive multiplayer game.

Another ROV match will be held Monday for civil servants employed in the Prime Minister’s Office.

For the first time in history, esports were added to the Government House’s annual sport events, in which employees are divided into different color teams and pitted against each other in games such as volleyball, badminton and table tennis.

Team orange reportedly prevailed in rushing lanes to smash the opposing team’s “core,” as is the goal of such “mobile battle arena” games known as mobas. Fun fact: Cores in ROV – which opposing players must destroy to win – are called pom in Thai, similar to deputy junta leader Prawit Wongsuwan’s nickname, which has led to countless jokes on the internet.

Esports were reportedly introduced to promote the government’s Thailand 4.0 project, a set of policies intended to promote a digital economy and society.

But don’t expect to see Prayuth Chan-ocha smashing his deputy Prawit with a Blitz Blade; high-ranking officials typically do not participate in the annual sports days.

River City Bangkok Provides Support to Students Through Interactive Exhibit of Chinese Painted Scrolls (Sponsored)

By

Khaosod English

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14 December 2018, 16:24

River City Bangkok (RCB), Asia’s largest center of art and culture, has joined hands with patrons to launch a CSR project titled “Every Art Dream, Every Creative Idea” that’s designed to provide support to Thailand’s art students through various art-related initiatives. Groups of art students from local fine arts institutes and secondary schools will see the landmark exhibition of Chinese art titled “Up the River During Qingming” by the National Palace Museum (NPM), Gu Gong.

“Up the River During Qingming”, currently on show at River City Bangkok’s second-floor RCB Galleria, offers a participatory, immersive art experience to viewers through digital renderings of much-prized yet fragile Chinese painted scrolls that form part of NPM’s priceless collection of Chinese artifacts, the largest in the world. Thanks to the complimentary tickets provided by patrons, Sosuco and Group (2008) Co., Ltd. and Thaiyang Co., Ltd., all aspiring artists from the participating schools and art institutes will be able to experience the international art show in Bangkok.

The exhibition opened on October 18, 2018, at RCB Galleria, which was also officially unveiled on this occasion following refurbishment work. On view are digital installations depicting some of China’s most beautiful handscroll paintings representing different Dynasties.

The first of its kind in Southeast Asia, the interactive exhibition uses multimedia and the latest in augmented and virtual reality technology for a fully immersive viewing experience.

Ms. Linda Cheng, Managing Director of River City Bangkok, relates that as the living art center of the local community, River City Bangkok has the determination to promote every form of art in an effort to create a true art community.

“We believe that art is not just a painting or merely a work of art, but something that reflects the culture of living life over a period of time. Likewise, River City Bangkok has stood the test of time as an antique and art center of Bangkok that has conveyed the stories of art for Thai people’s greater understanding of art for 33 years. We are supporting all art forms including photography, painting, sculpture and film in a bid to stimulate interest and appreciation in modern art among the new generation, art lovers and art collectors.

The project “Every Art Dream, Every Creative Idea” kicked off recently with a group of students from the Art Learning Center of Chulalongkorn University Demonstration School taken on a tour of the exhibition “Up the River During Qingming”.

For the first time in Thailand and Southeast Asia, the exhibition showcases digital versions of priceless Chinese artifacts including classic handscroll paintings that use multimedia technology as the medium. The exhibition offers a participatory, immersive art experience that allows viewers to step into paintings rather than viewing them from afar. This interactive art exhibition provides viewers with a better understanding of life and art in ancient China.

‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2019’ to be Held at Iconsiam (Sponsored)

By

Khaosod English

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14 December 2018, 15:00

BANGKOK — “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2019” under the theme of “The River of Prosperity” will make the New Year Celebration sensational on Monday, December 31, 2018, from 18:00 hrs.

This New Year Celebration is jointly organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and ICONSIAM Co., Ltd. in collaboration with The ICONSIAM Residence Corporation Ltd., The ICONSIALM Superlux Residence Corporation.

In addition, our partners both from the public and private sectors are also actively involved—including Association of Chaopraya Commerce, Harbor Department, Siam Commercial Bank, TRUE Corporation (PLC), Kasikorn Bank, Thai Shipping Association, BANGKOK RIVER PARTNER, and Chaopraya Riverside Communities. The New Year Celebration will take place at the waterfront of River Park ICONSIAM and activities on both banks of the River. This New Year Celebration is a grand undertaking from both the public and private sectors plus riverside communities whose scale is never before seen. It will munificently highlight the Chaopraya River as our NATIONAL ICONIC LANDMARK and ICON OF PROSPERITY.

According to Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), says that “AMAZING THAILAND COUNTDOWN 2019” is a major event that TAT has consistently organized over the years at various destinations throughout the country. The purpose is to promote Thailand as the ultimate destination for Thai and overseas tourists alike. It’s also an effective way to help stimulate the economy and distribute income to people in every region in the country. More importantly, it supplements our effort to make tourism sustainable. This year we’ll organize the event in 5 different regions: Bangkok, NakornPanom, Chiangrai, Rajburi, and Satul.

In Bangkok, TAT and ICONSIAM plus other partners have mapped out a plan to make the upcoming event a grand New Year Celebration by the Chaopraya River on December 31, where the venue will be the River Park, ICONSIAM. This very venue is characterized by diversity comprising, for example, a unique way of life and local culture that would satisfy all tourists alike. Furthermore, local business entrepreneurs and hotels on both sides of the River will take part in this celebration in various forms such as lighting and coloring their premises, and overnight Buddhist praying. Another spectacular event is fireworks along the Chaopraya River for they will brighten the water current and create a favorable image of Thailand as an attractive tourist destination for all people throughout the world.

Tourism is a major income earner for the Thai economy. As such, TAT’s mission is to promote tourism in Thailand and, as a result, engaged in an extensive public relations activities both at home and overseas. It is anticipated that over one million people shall attend the New Year Celebration that will transmit to the world a favorable image of Thailand as a vibrant and dynamic country. Equally important is that substantial spending will keep the money flowing into our economy.

Moreover, Narong Chearavanont, Chairman of The ICONSIAL Superlux Residence Corporation Ltd., adds that “we are proud to have organized the “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2019” with TAT and other partners. It is an effective way to present the beautiful image of the Chaopraya River to the world and ICONSIAM as a riverside destination on the Chaopraya River. We are honored to have been selected by TAT to organize the event. We are grateful for the active involvement of our partners who are committed to making the New Year Celebration event grand, impressive, and memorable for all tourists. Here are major highlights of the upcoming “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2019.”

A display of fireworks made from Thai sticker rice. These fireworks are an innovation that is eco-friendly. This firework display is based on the concept of “The River of Prosperity.” It demonstrates the history of the Chaopraya River pertaining to our way of life, tradition, and legends of Siam as a country. This 5-minute firework display is composed of 5 Acts.

· Act 1 – “The River of Prosperity” is a firework display in silver, gold, and bronze colors held together consecutively. Based on the beliefs of people, the three elements symbolize prosperity. As such, the first second of the New Year is to make the Chaopraya River bright, beautiful, peaceful and prosperous as it has been over the years.

· Act 2 – “The Siam Treasure” is a firework display of multiple shapes and colors that reflect a close interconnection between our tradition, a way of life and the Chaopraya River. Not only that the River was essential in daily human activities, it was also what people utilized for transportation, a naval route for diplomatic corps coming in to establish diplomatic relations with Siam, a way to transport products and conduct trade since Ayudhya to present, a way to perform religious rites, and an attractive scenes that capture imagination of overseas tourists and generate income for our country.

· Act 3 – “The Blossom of Joy” is a firework display that creates excitement in more ways than one. The display is accompanied by Thai folk songs that reflect our uniqueness as fun-loving, friendly, and smiling people. Any overseas tourist visiting Thailand and attending the event at ICONSIAM will become impressed with, for example, reciprocity of Thai people. Such an impression is enough to start a happy New Year by the Chaopraya River-a bloodline of Thailand.

· Act 4 – “One World” is a firework display that highlights the flags of all countries. It also represents their connectivity through tourism, trade, education, cultural exchange based on equality that will flourish from the start of the New year and in the years to come.

· Act 5 – “Thailand” is a firework display of the tricolors of the Thai flag along the Chaopraya River. The tricolors of red, white and blue collectively represent our national identity as an independent country shielded by our solidarity and unity.

The upcoming display of 5-Act fireworks will take place along the Chaopraya River from 5 different locations. The brightness of the fireworks can be seen within the vicinity of 1,400 meters, which is the longest and grandest display of fireworks ever on the Chaopraya River. The vicinity encompasses Peninsular Hotel, Millennial Hilton Hotel, Shangri-La Hotel, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, and Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel, Sathorn Bridge, Chalermprakiat Park, Sathorn Pier, Police Station 2, KlongSarn Pier, Sampeng Parking Lot,CAT-Bangrak Branch, WatSuwan Pier, Siam Commercial Bank and LHONG 1919 It is expected that over one million people will watch this display of fireworks within the 2-km vicinity.

Furthermore, there will be a “Khone” performance at the event in honor of it being recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage. The Khone performance of ‘“Phra Rama Krong Mueng” (Rama returns to Ayodhya) will be a New Year present for Thai people. It will be magnificent owing to the great number of performers, composition, details relating to Thai classical dance, warrior costumes, weapons, the formation of armed forces of King Rama and Tossakan. All of these protocols are truly our cultural treasures that are worth watching.

Leading Thai and overseas artists will be on stage on the New Year eve to keep our local and foreign tourists fully entertained. The venue is the River Park that is capable of housing 4,000 people. Among well-known artists who will be there include Thanasit, Aim Satida, Boat Siriroj, artists from TRUE, Ice and Siphume from THE VOICE, Han The Star, Gail Sophicha, Kangsom The Star, Rith The Star, Gam Wichayanee, KanNapat, Tong Tong, Bright, Chen and Frank from GMM Grammy.

There will be live broadcast on Mcot, PPTV, True4U, TNN, Thai PBS during December 31, 2018

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