Phuket World Musiq Fest launches HM The King’s birthday celebrations

PHUKET: Celebrations for HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 84th birthday on Monday, December 5, got underway across Phuket last night with the opening of the inaugural Phuket World Musiq Festival.

Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha officiated the opening ceremony, marking the beginning of the four-day festival, which will culminate on December 5 with Thai National Artist Naowarat Pongpaiboon leading the “Father of Love” celebration in honor of His Majesty.

The concerts, being held at Saphan Hin, start at 4pm each day and close at midnight.

Entry to the event, sponsored by Singha Corporation, the Phuket Gazette and PGTV, is free of charge.

Ceremonies to honor His Majesty’s birthday continue to be held across the island.

All are welcome to join the festivities.

Here are just some of the events scheduled to be held in Phuket:

Phuket Town – Phuket World Musiq Festival at Saphan Hin

December 2 – December 5
Daily concerts start at 4pm and continue to midnight. Entry to the event is free and will showcase not only music from Thailand, but also artists from around the world. There will also be video presentations about HM the King every half hour.

December 3
5:30pm – 7pm: Stage performance by students from Phuket Rajabhat University

December 4
7:15pm – 8pm: Stage performance by students from Kajonkietsuksa School

December 5
5pm – 7:45pm: Stage performance by students, Nakhon Phuket Youth Orchestra, candlelight celebration, Thai National Artist Naowarat Pongpaiboon leading “Father of Love” celebration

Kata – Kata Beach

December 3 – 5
6pm – 11pm: Kata Walking Street with concert from popular Thai artists Paowalee (from the movie Poompuang); Yong Chernyim (famous Thai comedian); Bank, lead singer from Thai rock group Clash; Ford Sobchai (Thai jazz singer); and Au Tannatorn.

Nightly performances of traditional Southern Thai Nang Talung shadow puppet plays as well as traditional Rong Ngeng, Pong Rang and Manora dances by students.

There will also be an exhibition honoring HM the King and a batik exhibition.

Patong – Loma Park

December 5
3pm: Parade from in front of the Sea Pearl Resort at the corner of Prachanukroh Road and Thaweewong Road (the beach road) to Loma Park, followed by the celebration of HM the King show

4pm: Arrival of the Phuket Governor, opening ceremony, Royal Anthem

5pm: Opening of football game by the Phuket Governor

Karon – Karon Municipality Office

December 5
6pm – 11pm: Candlelight ceremony, concert by Ford Sobchai with the music composed by HM the King, fireworks show.

Kathu – Kathu Municipality Office

December 5
6am: Alms offerings to monks

4:30pm – 9pm: Student performances and Best Father Award

7pm: Candlelight ceremony

Rassada – Rassada Municipality Office
December 5
7am: Alms offerings to monks