(Photos: People's Daily/Sun Guangyong)
Bangkok (People’s Daily) - Local and international tourists are invited to take part in the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020 at Phatthalung, a countdown celebration held by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and authorities of Phatthalung province this Monday and Tuesday from 4 pm to midnight.
“TAT expects the celebration to welcome about 6,000 Thai and foreign visitors, and help bring approximately 16 million baht for the local economy,” said Noppadon Pakprot, TAT deputy governor for domestic marketing.
The countdown event in Phatthalung is part of TAT’s traditional festivities in six emerging destinations, which also include Sukhothai, Kalasin, Lop Buri, Ratchaburi, and Sa Kaeo.
Highlights at the Phatthalung Countdown include two days of music concerts, traditional circle dance activities, lucky draws and games, and cooking shows featuring local delicacies such as fried fish roe, a range of food made from Phatthalung’s famous giant freshwater prawn, and “saku ton” - a starchy traditional dessert specially made from sago palm and unique to Phatthalung only. There is also a fair with 30 shops and stalls promoting and selling local handicrafts and Thai cuisine such as basketry and bags from local sea grass and colorful Norah beaded accessories.
The countdown celebration on December 31 features laser projection lights on Phatthalung’s landmarks and symbols including the red lotus lake and a herd of water buffaloes. Other activities include the Norah folk dance, Pone drum performance and fireworks displays.
New Year’s Day 2020 starts with a mass merit-making ceremony of Buddhist alms offering plus a community service opportunity to donate cleaning tools and equipment to the Phatthalung Municipal Office.