The highlight, the countdown to 2016, will take place for the first time at Wat Arun as the iconic venue to celebrate the arrival of New Year's day. On the New Year's Eve, as the clock strikes 12, Wat Arun's distinctive spires are set to shine the brightest with 9-minute pyrotechnic displays of more than 5,500 fireworks, including 2,016 to ring in the global New Year and enter the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), 2,559 to ring in Buddhist Year, and 999 to pay homage to His Majesty the King of Thailand (King Rama IX). Following the firework extravaganza, there will be 45-minute displays on the 'Chronicle of Land' presented by the multi-media performance of lighting and projection mapping on the stupa of Wat Arun together with music by the Mahanakhorn Philharmonic Orchestra and Usa Asil, the first multi-cultural ASEAN music ensemble.
Across the river, the 300-metre stretch from Maharaj Road - at the section where the Nagaraphirom Park is located - to Chetuphon Road will be turned into a walking street with the theme of an ancient Thai-style market, selling GI (geographical indication) products from across the country, the one-tambon-one-product (OTOP) selections from TAT’s 24 hidden gems and plus destinations, and famous products from 50 districts of Bangkok. The special three-day market also features a stage for contemporary and cultural performances. Thai and international tourists are able to come and celebrate this festive event together from 29 – 31 December, 2015, during 17.00 -22.00 Hrs. while the walking street extends to midnight on New Year’s Eve.