The Pattaya International Fireworks Festival

The Pattaya International Fireworks Festival is an annual event that started back in 2009 to celebrate the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and is something that has continued ever since. In fact, the gala was only intended to run for 2 years but continued and has gone from strength to strength each year. The only year that the festival wasn’t held being 2017 as a mark of respect to the late King who had died the year previously.

When will it be staged in 2019?

The festival is a two day event with the date altering each year. This year the competition will take place on 24-25 May with the first day being regarded more as a rehearsal for the main event the following day.

Where is it held?

The main place that the fireworks are fired from is Central Festival on Pattaya Beach Road although there are always rafts out at sea where some of the fireworks are. The event isn’t solely about fireworks however. Beach Road will close around 5pm on both days and the street stalls will open selling predominantly Thai food but other knickknacks as well. Music is a big part of the festival too. The main stage is at Bali Hai and attracts some top musicians – both Thai and international with other stages all along Beach Road.

You will for sure enjoy the show from this 1 bedroom in The Base

What happens?

The Fireworks Festival is essentially a competition with prizes being award to the best displays. Competitors come from across Thailand and around the world with some of the notable entrants in previous years coming from China, Japan and the Philippines. Overall, it could be classed as something of a carnival with the parades and music all adding to the atmosphere.

The fireworks themselves tend to last for around 30 minutes in total on Day 1 and 45 minutes in total on Day 2 although with breaks; in reality, it is more like one and a half hours and 2 hours respectively.

Where are the best places to watch?

As you would imagine, the best place to watch the event is on Pattaya Beach Road although this can get a little overcrowd which, of course, some people don’t like. Alternatively, you could watch from the viewing points at Pratamnak such as the Thai Navy Radio Station. Of course, all of the taller hotels with sea views will offer a great vantage point. If you are thinking of something a little different, some of the dive schools organise trips in their boats to Pattaya Bay. The trips tend to include a barbeque which can add to the experience.

Next to Central festival on Pattaya Beach road, rare studio for sale with one of the best location for fireworks

Take Care!

A word of warning, pickpockets are active at events such as this so be careful with your belongings. As around 100,000 people attend the event there is always the chance that small fights could break out especially amongst those who may be slightly intoxicated. Giving them a wide berth is just normal common sense but it should be stressed that such incidents are rare and could happen anywhere.