Monster NY bash to revive tourism

"The event is part of [an extended] message sent overseas, saying Thailand is a good place to visit," Mayor Vittaya Khunpluem said yesterday. It will be the country's biggest countdown celebration this year

The beach resort in Chon Buri hopes to make the party a world class event scheduled each year in Thailand.

The city would work with GMM Media, MCOT and the private sector to hold Pattaya Count Down 2009 on Bali Hai beach from December 25-30.

Vittaya said the event was intended to shore up the tourism industry, which is languishing under the political crisis and economic turndown.

The average hotel occupancy rate in Pattaya has dropped by 70 per cent following the airport closures last month. However, it is expected to pick up bv half during the seven-day celebration, with both local and Asian tourists attending.

Kokiet Seangwanich, managing director of GMM Business Development, said the company would spend Bt22 million to organise the event, with Bt8 million-Bt10 million coming from the Chon Buri provincial budget.

The festival will feature live concerts from 13 bands. Its major activities are scheduled to be televised globally through MCOT's worldwide network including CNN, NHK and CBS.