Bangkok, 1 January, 2017 – Last night, as people everywhere celebrated the end of 2016 and looked forward to welcoming the prosperous New Year, Thailand saw in the New Year with a moving candle lighting and prayer ceremony joined by hundreds of thousands of people across the country. Sang Thien Haeng Siam or Candlelight of Siam, gave the nation a chance to join together and celebrate their Thainess.
Everyone was welcomed to the Candlelight of Siam event in Bangkok’s famous Sanam Luang in front of the Grand Palace – the historic heart of the nation, as well as at stunning sites around Rattanakosin Island; such as, the iconic Wat Arun and Wat Pho. Other temples and gathering places across Thailand took part in the Candlelight of Siam event held in modern venues from Pathumwan to Phrom Phong including the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), Siam Paragon, Ratchaprasong Intersection CentralWorld, Central Embassy, Terminal 21, and EmQuartier Mall. By joining the ceremony, locals and guests alike marked the beginning of 2017 in a memorable Thai way.
H.E. General Tanasak Patimapragorn, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, said, “Candlelight of Siam was a meaningful event to mark the unity of the nation, our loyalty, and respect for the monarch. The singing, candle lighting, praying and sharing brought people together as friends, as families and let us welcome 2017 in a way that reflects our culture and heritage.”
Candlelight of Siam started at 19.00 Hrs. Pre-New Year Countdown activities included the signing of a pledge to live a good life over the next year. Attendees picked up…
