Bangkok (Thailand) – December 11, 2014 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will organize New Year's Eve 2015 celebrations from December 25, 2014 to January 1, 2015 in seven major tourist centers across the country – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai (Mae Sai), Chon Buri (Pattaya), Songkhla (Hat Yai), Phuket and Khon Kaen.

Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), stated: “The TAT’s New Year’s celebrations at these seven locations will offer tourists and visitors an unforgettable experience to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new. We have planned a range of modern New Year’s traditions as well as unique Thai cultural activities. This is the perfect launch for our ‘2015 – Discover Thailand’ campaign, which highlights Thailand’s distinctive character as a vibrant and welcoming travel destination.”

The TAT 2015 New Year's Eve countdown takes place at seven top tourist destinations; each promises a unique theme and a variety of entertaining activities as well as an unforgettable fireworks display.

The Bangkok Countdown 2015 takes place from December 31, 2014 to January 1, 2015 at the intersections of Ploenchit, Ratchaprasong and Pathumwan, featuring a breathtaking fireworks display, concerts and stage performances. The countdown to the New Year is celebrated in front of the CentralWorld complex and Amarin Plaza. Ratchaprasong is also known as a sea of ​​lights with colorful decorations during the festivities.

The Chiang Mai Countdown Festival 2015 takes place from December 25th to 31st, 2014, at Tha Pae Gate and along the entire Tha Pae Street. Highlights include mini-concerts, stage entertainment, cultural performances, and a spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display. The Bangkok Countdown 2014 takes place at Centralworld at the Ratchaprasong intersection in Bangkok.

The “Three Nations Countdown 2015” takes place from December 31, 2014 to January 1, 2015 in the Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai, on the Thai side of the Thailand-Myanmar border crossing. Activities include musical performances, stage entertainment showcasing the culture of the three nations – Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar – and the countdown to the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display.

The Pattaya Countdown 2015 at Bali Hai Pier in the southernmost part of Pattaya Beach from December 25th to 31st, 2014 promises seven days full of fun and events with concerts by well-known Thai and international musicians and bands, before the sky over the coastal city is illuminated with a spectacular countdown fireworks display.

The “Night Paradise Hat Yai and Countdown 2015” takes place on December 31, 2014, on four main streets – Niphat Uthit 3, Sanehanusorn, Thammanoonvithi, and Chee Uthit – as well as in front of Lee Gardens Plaza and at the Gong Kong Villa Market in Hat Yai, Songkhla. The one-day celebration features concerts by well-known Thai singers and bands, as well as celebrities, and concludes with a spectacular fireworks display at midnight.

The colorful Phuket Countdown 2015 will take place from December 29th to 31st, 2014 at the Sanam Chai field opposite the Phuket Provincial Hall and will feature concerts and stage entertainment, flower and light decorations, and a fireworks display to mark the countdown.

The Khon Kaen Rock Party Countdown 2015 takes place from December 25th to 31st, 2014, on Srichan Road near the city gate. Highlights include the decorative garden "Magic Light of Happiness" and concerts by well-known Thai rock musicians and bands. At midnight, the sky above Khon Kaen will light up with a spectacular fireworks display. Additionally, a Buddhist merit ceremony will be held on January 1st, 2015.

For further information, please contact the TAT Call Centre on 1672.

Contact information: International Public Relations Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand, 1600 New Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathevi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, Tel.: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48, Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419, E-mail: [email protected], Website: www.TATnews.org