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More than 5,000 Thais and foreign tourists crowded on to Bang Saen last Saturday for Chang World Reggae 2009 but if that sounds like a coup for the organisers, it may pay to remember that more than 1,000 of the tickets were complimentary, a fact that caused more than a few grumbles among those who'd coughed up a not inconsiderable Bt1,500 a pop.

After lodging strong complaints about the free tickets, the Bt1,500 ticket holders were given 36 cans of beer, up from the original dozen cans, while those who'd paid Bt800, saw their beer rations increase from two to a dozen.

But despite the hassle over tickets, this music event put organisers Chang in a good light, with the crowd chilling out over the amber suds and enjoying quality reggae by Thai and foreign bands.

Japanese AV model Miyavi, who came to Thailand to catch her favourite reggae artist Diana King, looked great in her seductive outfit - a white tight-fitting vest and very low-waisted jeans. She danced with a group of the celebrities, including Joey Boy, at the front of the stage and drew the attention of several cameramen.

The day before the event, a small stage graced by Thai reggae bands like Ska Chance and Supachoke proved a useful warm-up for the main show with many fans taking advantage of the long holiday weekend to start the festivities early.

Mild, the Chiang Mai popsters with ska pretensions, kicked off proceedings on Saturday, and while their show was two hours late, the foreign artists were able to stick to their schedules.

Big Mountain, Inner Circle and Diana King all performed tight shows that left the audience wanting more. The event wrapped at 6am with a set by Job Banjob.

Fire in the sky

About 11pm, the night sky was lit by 900 fireworks in a display that cost some Bt3 million.