The year will bow out with a bang on Monday night as New Year celebrations break out across the country.
Whether you're escaping Bangkok for the holiday break or sticking around to enjoy the relative quiet of a near-deserted city, you can count yourself lucky that you have time off to begin with.
Because while the rest of us are out celebrating with family and friends, there are some people out there giving up their time to make sure the party runs smoothly.
Whether it's taking care of the evening's entertainment, providing spiritual guidance or making sure everyone gets home safely after an often booze-soaked evening of revelry, for some of the city's workers, it's the busiest night of the year.
Brunch caught up with four of these unsung heroes and asked them what it's like to work during one of the biggest parties of the year.
BRINGING THE BANG
Worawat Manusanun
43, vice-president of Index Creative Village and the planner of CentralWorld's countdown fireworks show.
What is your normal job, outside of organising this once a year event?
My day job is overseeing logistics for major events. Apart from the New Year countdown, we have also organised celebrations for HM the King's 60th and 80th birthdays, World Expos in Shanghai and Yeosu, and various museum exhibitions at Bangjak, Siriraj and James gallery.
How long does it take to prepare the New Year fireworks show?
It takes around three months to organise everything. This year we're working with the concept of 'cuddling and warmth', and we're planning to have more crowd participation than last year. Spectators will be asked to hold hands and dance to form the pattern of the snake, because 2013 is the year of the snake. Most of the fireworks we will use have been imported from China and Japan, but we will also use some locally made fireworks as well. This year's countdown will be the best one yet!
Why are fireworks such a big part of New Year's Eve?
New Year celebrations are commonly associated with elaborate fireworks displays, I think because they light up the sky and really highlight the celebratory mood of the evening.
Have you ever failed to ignite the fireworks before or had any major mishaps?
Failed? Never. The worst case was just a few seconds' delay, but that was many years ago when we still used humans to light the fireworks. Now, even with advanced ignition technology, we still have to take care to set up the proper order for the fireworks to be let off, and make sure everything is wired properly beforehand. But generally our systems are very safe and reliable.
How do you control the fireworks? Do you have any special safety strategies?
We use a high-tech electronic ignition system, which is very reliable. As for safety, we will have security guards and fire extinguishers posted at many spots around the countdown area. We also have equipment to prevent fire and explosions where the fireworks are placed.
How do you feel when you see your fireworks go off?
I'm very proud. It's what I'm good at and love to do. Each year I like to make people happier than they were the year before. It's got to be better each time.
Do you ever just want to watch the fireworks for a change instead of organising them?
Never. I have so much fun organising the fireworks, and it only gets better and better every year. Sometimes I wish I could be there to see the reaction from spectators to see whether they like the fireworks. Their enjoyment is the most important thing for us.
What are the most memorable fireworks displays you have ever organised?
To me, each of them is memorable because each is different. I really can't choose one, because it depends on so many factors such as the desired patterns, the locations, the types of fireworks and budget.
If you didn't have to work on Monday, would you like to travel somewhere else?
No, I'd rather stay in Bangkok and relax. It's a rare chance to enjoy an empty city. But to be honest, I always work on New Year; it's the busiest time of the year for me. This year, we've also been hired to organise the countdown in Myanmar for the first time, so there have been a lot of preparations going on here and there.
What will be the highlight of this year's countdown at CentralWorld?
The highlight is the unique Index 'countdown culture', created several years back. It's all about celebrating together with dancing, music and fireworks.
Do you have any New Year wishes for Thai people?
I wish Thai people all the best for the new year. I believe good deeds will see our country through. Happy New Year everyone!
For more information, visit www.indexcreativevillage.com or call 02-725-9333.
PRAYING, NOT PARTYING
Phra Mahatak Jariyawaso
The assistant abbot of Wat Hua Lamphong, Phra Mahatak will be organising and leading a New Year chanting ceremony at the temple on Monday night.
Normally a monk is strictly obligated to turn in early. How do you feel about making an exception on New Year's Eve?
I don't mind that at all. I am aware that New Year celebrations are very important to most people. That's a good thing. But when they want to chant all night at the temple instead of going out, that's even better.
I don't think it's against the monastery rules; on the contrary, I think it's a monk's duty to lead such a meaningful ceremony that connects the secular and clerical worlds together. I'm very proud to help make them happy.
Is chanting becoming a more popular way to bring in the New Year?
Such ceremonies have nothing to do with popularity. I believe people want to use the occasion to meditate, using chanting as a way to connect with what is inside their heart. When their minds are clear, they can look at things in a different way, and they can be more optimistic about what the new year will bring. I will also give a sermon which will hopefully help guide people to true happiness and inner tranquility.
What are the benefits of chanting on New Year's Eve?
It can be done easily and its benefits are plentiful. Chanting basically helps you become more focused so you don't lose track of the ceremony. Once you're focused and you truly understand the meaning of the ceremony, it will bring enlightenment; your mind will be clear of worldly emotions. On top of that, it's such an easy way to honour Lord Buddha. I recommend anyone who hasn't tried it to give it a go this year.
Why do you think more Bangkokians are joining New Year's Eve chanting ceremonies than in the past?
I think it brings them spiritual happiness. It's as simple as that.
How many people are you expecting to turn up this year? Do they need to dress in white? Are there any fees involved?
We predict there will be several thousand participants. There is no need to dress in white _ just dress appropriately. And no, there are no entrance fees at all. There will be amulets for sale if people wish to buy them and worship at home. The ceremony starts at 8pm on Monday and ends at 2am on Tuesday.
There is also another ceremony that starts at 9am on Tuesday and ends at 1pm.
How important is New Year for you?
I don't believe there is anything special about it at all. To me, it's simply another day to lead my life properly.
Are Thai people turning their backs on Buddhism?
No. They still make merit, chant at home, and come to sermons when they can. I believe Thai people are still religious, but they are probably more tied up with their work and personal problems than they have been in the past.
Do you have any New Year wishes for Thai people?
I wish your minds to be free from worry, malice, sadness and anger. I wish you to believe in your innate goodness and lead your life accordingly. I wish you be good to yourselves and be kind to others. I wish people of any religion be happy and hope that everything you wish for comes true.
For more information about the New Year chanting ceremony, visit www.wathualampong.com or call 02-637-1342.
PICKING UP THE PIECES
Jamlong Suayluek
Rescue worker, 66. Mr Jamlong is the head of the body collecting section of the Ruamkattanyu Foundation, Nakhon 41, which oversees Bang Rak, Pathumwan and Lumpini districts.
Is collecting bodies your regular job?
Yes, it is. A standard day for me is usually 8am-8pm if on the day shift, or 8pm-8am on the night shift. I have been doing this for more than 40 years, ever since I was discharged from the military. Now I am 66 years old and still love this job very much.
Why did you volunteer to work on New Year's Eve?
I want to help people as best I can. I think during the holidays people need our services more than ever.
What kind of things do you expect to see on Monday night?
Mostly we deal with motorcycle accidents and the aftermath of drink-driving and freak car crashes. My job is to take photos of the scene and wait for the police and coroners to come and inspect the accident scene. Then my team and I collect the bodies. Sometimes we also take homeless people or drunks to the police station.
Are there more accidents than normal during the holidays? What are the causes?
There are actually not too many accidents in Bangkok, because most people leave the city to celebrate in their home provinces or elsewhere. Sometimes we act as an ambulance service and help deliver sick people to hospital.
Are you paid for your work or do you volunteer?
I have a salary, but the amount is not fixed as it depends on how much the foundation has received in donations. It's a charity so we can't request a fixed salary. I started off with a mere 150 baht a month in 1969. We don't get paid overtime during public holidays.
If you weren't on duty on Monday night, would you like to go somewhere?
No, I wouldn't. I'd rather stay in Bangkok and help people. I think we need to help one another more.
What about your family? Have they complained about how much time you spend at work?
My wife is 70. All our children are married. My wife also likes to help people and does charity work whenever she can. She also works at the foundation. Sometimes she helps deliver food to homeless people at Sanam Luang, so we don't have this issue.
Do you have any New Year wishes for Thai people?
For the upcoming year, I wish everyone luck, happiness and health. Happy New Year!
For more information and/or to donate to the Ruamkattanyu Foundation, call 02-751-0944.
ALL ABOARD
Phimjai 'Ice' Yusuk
26-year-old train controller for the Train Service Department, Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS).
You've been scheduled to work on New Year's Eve. Does that frustrate you?
I'm perfectly fine with it. In fact, it's absolutely normal to work on public holidays when you're in the service industry.
What about last year?
I also worked.
On New Year's Eve, has BTS prepared any special services for passengers?
Normally we run until midnight, but on Monday night we are extending services until 2am.
Services will also be running more frequently than normal, with trains leaving every two or three minutes instead of the normal four or five minutes.
Will services be more crowded on Monday night? And if so, how should people deal with that?
There will be a lot more people riding our trains on New Year's Eve than usual. Most people usually get off at Siam and Chit Lom stations to participate in the major countdown events. Taking them there is not a problem, because people tend to arrive at different times. But bringing them back can be hectic because everyone wants to go home at the same time. I suggest people buy a return ticket in advance or a one-day concession to avoid having to queue up for tickets on the way home.
Don't you feel lonely in the driver's compartment while everyone else is surrounded by family and friends?
I take it as a normal day at work. I have to operate my train safely and take good care of my passengers. On the plus side, I'm able to see the magnificent lighting displays on tall buildings on both sides of the track better than anyone _ it's quite a view!
How do you feel about helping celebrate this special occasion?
I'm very proud to give my passengers a safe ride. It's also good to see so many smiling happy faces.
Has BTS tightened security for New Year's Eve?
Drivers obviously need to be extra careful when closing and opening the doors, because of the influx of passengers. Guards at each station have been told to be more watchful as well.
If you didn't have to work on New Year Eve, would you travel?
No, I think I'd rather stay in Bangkok and enjoy a quiet city for a change.
Do you have any New Year wishes for Thai people?
I wish all our passengers happiness. I hope people feel confident in using our service and trust that we will get you all home safely this New Year's Eve.
