PATTAYA, THAILAND – Pattaya approved a scaled-back concept for the “PATTAYA COUNTDOWN 2026”, designed as a dignified New Year celebration during nationwide mourning for Her Majesty Queen Mother Sirikit.
City Hall approves toned-down New Year concept
The decision was made on 1 December 2025 at a special meeting in Pattaya City Hall, Room 401, chaired by Mayor Poramet Ngampichet. Deputy mayors Manoch Nongyai and Damrongkiat Pinijkarn, mayoral assistants, the city council chairman, council members, department heads and representatives of MONO 29 attended. The central question was how the traditional New Year’s Eve event along the beach promenade could be aligned with the mournful mood in the country.
‘Sea of Serenity’ theme replaces party spectacle
MONO 29 presented a fully revised format under the motto “Sea of Serenity” (ทะเลแห่งความสงบ). The concept was intended to emphasize calm, simplicity and elegance while honoring the boundless royal grace of the Queen Mother. Key program elements included gentle, respectful cultural performances, songs of remembrance and a special “Music of Light Waves” show symbolizing love, reverence and soft light instead of fireworks or high‑energy stage shows.
Subtle staging and quieter performances
Stage design, lighting, sound levels and all performances were discussed in detail to ensure a consistently understated character. Despite the reduced framework, well‑known artists such as Bodyslam and Bowkylion were expected to perform, alongside F Hero, Taitosmith, UrboyTJ and Three Man Down. In parallel, culturally focused and particularly respectful program items, similar to those at the recent fireworks festival, were to be included to reflect the mourning period.
Mayor: unity and remembrance over revelry
Mayor Poramet underlined that the city wanted to enable the transition into the new year, but with a clearly changed orientation.
“Pattaya will welcome the new year with dignity, serenity and the highest safety standards,”
said Poramet Ngampichet, Mayor of Pattaya.
“This countdown will be a heartfelt moment of unity and remembrance, not of exuberance.”
said Poramet Ngampichet, Mayor of Pattaya.
Three-day security plan along Pattaya Beach
A key topic of the meeting was security for the expected influx of visitors along Pattaya Beach, where the event was scheduled from 29 to 31 December 2025. Authorities instructed the organizer to implement more entry points and metal detectors, as well as reinforced visitor management to guide crowds. Close coordination with police, naval units, medical teams and all relevant agencies aimed to ensure safety throughout the three‑day event.
Final preparations under way
Final organizational work for the “PATTAYA COUNTDOWN 2026” was reported to be in full swing. The city administration viewed this year’s edition as a balance between tradition, security and national mourning. With the restrained concept, Pattaya sought to send a calm and dignified signal of solidarity on the Gulf of Siam as the year turned.