Pattaya – The skies above Pattaya Beach erupted in a dazzling display of light and color last night as the city launched the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival 2025 under the theme “The Light of Eternal Loyalty.”
The grand opening ceremony was presided over by Chonburi Governor Naris Niramaiwong, Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngampichet, and Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization President Wittaya Khunpluem. Officials and participants wore traditional black Thai silk attire in a solemn show of respect and loyalty to Her Royal Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.
Hundreds of thousands of Thai and international tourists packed the entire stretch of Pattaya Beach from early afternoon, creating a sea of spectators eager to witness one of Southeast Asia’s most anticipated annual events.
This year’s festival features five nations — Malaysia, Germany, Finland, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom displaying amazing fireworks over two nights. The undisputed highlight of the opening evening was a special collaborative pyrotechnic performance between Thailand and Malaysia titled “Devoted Loyalty: Honoring the Mother of the Nation,” dedicated to Her Royal Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother.
Adding to the cultural richness of the evening, the Bunditpatanasilpa Institute under the Ministry of Culture presented a special Khon masked dance-drama performance of “Yuddhakarn: Rama Returns to the City,” a classical episode from the epic. The Queen Mother is widely revered for her lifelong dedication to preserving Khon, once famously declaring, “If no one else watches it, I will watch it myself.”
In keeping with the solemn and respectful tone of this year’s festival, live pop concerts were replaced with orchestral performances of royal compositions and the Queen Mother’s favorite songs, paying tribute to her enduring legacy.
Local authorities reported strong security arrangements, with more than 2,000 police officers, EOD specialists, administrative officials, city personnel, and volunteers ensuring safety and smooth traffic flow. Nearly 600 vendor stalls operated by local residents offered food, drinks, and souvenirs to visitors.
Organizers expect the two-day event to generate no less than 500 million baht in economic circulation for the resort city.
The Pattaya International Fireworks Festival 2025 continues tonight, November 29th, with the nations lighting up the sky in what promises to be another unforgettable spectacle over the Gulf of Thailand.
