Photos courtesy of Bangkok Post
New Year is always a joyful time. This year in Thailand, many people will enjoy big celebrations and various colourful festivities held to mark the coming Year of the Goat.
This week’s Exercises takes a look at some of the activities due to be held on New Year’s Eve in Thailand.
For Thais, New Year is a sign of a new start and a good time for family get-togethers, so many will take the opportunity to attend family reunions or to make merit for prosperity.
PRAYING FOR LUCK
Every year has its ups and downs, and many Thais like to attend a mass prayer sessions at temples on New Year’s Eve to pray for a brighter time in the coming year.
This year, numerous temples across the kingdom will arrange overnight praying ceremonies. Popular religious sites set to hold mass prayer meetings include Sa Ket Temple in Bangkok, Yai Chai Mongkol Temple in Ayutthaya, Phranon Chaksri in Sing Buri, Weruwan Temple in Kalasin, Tha Sai Temple in Surat Thani and Chetawan Temple in Chiang Rai.
COUNTDOWN CONCERTS
Those who like countdown parties with musical shows and stage performances are encouraged to attend the Pattaya Countdown 2015 Festival, which will be held on South Pattaya Beach in Chon Buri from December 25 to December 31. On New Year’s Eve, popular bands Slot Machine, Potato, Buddha Bless, Barbies and Better Weather will perform live. Admission is free. For more information, go to pattayamusicfest.com.
Another fun countdown event for locals and visitors is the Thailand Countdown Sawasdee 2015 Festival at Central World in Bangkok. This festival will proudly present a big concert with celebrated performers such as Joey Boy, 25 Hours, New & Jiew, Da Endorphine, Hun the Star and many more. For further inquiries, check out www.centralworld.co.th.
Exercises
Read the story. Then, decide whether the following statements are true or false.
1. The Thailand Countdown Sawasdeee 2015 Festival is due to be held at Siam Paragon.
……………….
2. More information about the Thailand Countdown Sawasdeee 2015 Festival can be found at www.centerworld.co.th.
……………….
3. The Pattaya Countdown 2015 Festival is due to be held on North Pattaya Beach.
……………….
4. Chetawan Temple will hold a mass prayer session on New Year’s Eve.
……………….
Vocabulary
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get-together (n): an informal meeting; a party
prosperity (n): the state of being successful, especially financially
bright (adj): hopeful; likely to be successful
celebrated (adj): famous for having good qualitiesIdiom
ups and downs: the mixture of good and bad things in life or in a particular situation
