It's nice to be able to report some good news from Thailand for a change. After concerns there would be bomb attacks in Bangkok at one or more of the typical New Year's celebrations sites, I'm happy to report New Year in Bangkok went off without a hitch.
The main Bangkok celebrations were held at Central World Plaza with a live concert and appearances by Thai celebrities, politicians and other famous personalities. They were televised live on Thai TV. Although one of the sites bombed in the 2006 New Year's Eve bombings, no problems at all were reported at Central World this year. Looks like the 2,000 police officers, x-ray machines and bomb sniffing dogs did their jobs well.
Less people attended the Central World event this year than normally do. That however isn't necessarily as a result of fears over bombings, although that probably did contribute to the fall in numbers from last year's celebrations. It's more likely just more fallout from Bangkok's massive flooding in November and December than from fear. Many Thais decided not to celebrate New Year extravagantly this year, as they weren't in the mood or couldn't afford it after the cost of flood clean-up and repair. Others had to work to make up for income lost at their jobs when areas of Bangkok were flooded out for over a month.
At other areas around Bangkok, New Year's events went off as normal too. Restaurants, bars, beer gardens and shopping malls had their own parties with fireworks, live music, great food and good cheer.
As the clock struck midnight, all over the city, fireworks were set off into the night sky, music was played and the traditional Thai lantern balloons were launched.
From my window in northern Bangkok I could see fireworks in every direction and hundreds of enormous lanterns slowly moving upwards into the sky, taking with them the wishes of those who had released them.
Like everyone here, my wish too is that Thailand's 2012 is better than its 2011. But, with no bombings and peaceful New Year's celebrations, it is off to a good start.
