Sydictive Element New Year “mega-beach party’ is on in Patong

PHUKET: The Sydictive Element New Year’s Eve “mega beach party” will be held at the southern end of Patong Beach from December 30 through to daybreak on January 1.

The news broke this afternoon after more than two hours of negotiations that followed hours of inconclusive negotiations last night.

“Sydictive will have its own party zone within the general area designated for the annual free Thai Beverage party,” Somsak Rattana, director of Thai Beverage’s Phuket operations, told the Phuket Gazette.

“We will share the same general area, but Sydictive will charge for entry to its party zone. Our [ThaiBev] party will remain free and open to everyone.

“Also, Sydictive will not have rights to sell beverages outside their party area,” Mr Somsak added.

The news also follows Preechavude “Prab” Keesin, son of Patong Mayor Pian Keesin, announcing yesterday that Sydictive would be permitted to stage its party in Phuket’s premier party town – but only if Thai drinks magnate ThaiBev approved.

“ThaiBev have been providing free New Year’s Eve parties at Patong Beach for years,” Mr Prab explained.

Mr Prab travelled to Bangkok earlier this week to discuss with party organizers Sydictive Element about moving the controversial Sydictive party from its original location at Surin Beach to Patong.

Among the issues discussed were those raised by Mayor Pian, namely public safety, drug use, noise and trash issues – the same concerns expressed by officials at Surin Beach who initially opposed the party being held there, but later finally granted permission.

Mayor Pian also raised the question of how Patong Municipality as a government authority could approve a pay-for-entry private party on a public beach, especially at new year, when thousands went to the beach to celebrate.

That question now seems to have been resolved.

The Sydictive Element party, officially launched by global celebrity Paris Hilton in Bangkok in October, was initially touted as likely to attract about 50,000 revellers to Phuket. That number has since been “rounded down” to 20,000, according to some reports, and it has since been confirmed that Ms Hilton will not be attending the event in Phuket.

The Gazette notes that in promoting the party, Sydictive Element website has consistently carried the Amazing Thailand logo, suggesting that the event is endorsed and supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

— Orawin Narabal