Bangkok Revellers Greet 2005 With Candles

Tsnami Dance Aid

international news_ Jonty Skrufff _ 10th January 2005

Bangkok Revellers Greet 2005 With Candles

Skrufff's man-in-Bangkok Bee said New Year's Eve celebrations were largely sombre affairs in Thailand last weekend, with lots of revellers lighting candles when midnight struck.

"The big countdown parties, which in recent years had been seeing crowds in the thousands, were cancelled as a mark of respect to the tsunami victims and while some private parties in clubs & hotels still took place, most were somewhat toned down," said Bee,

"Instead of the usual champagne and kisses at midnight many gatherings lit candles and shed a tear for the victims, while in the clubs, the countdown and partying either side provided a break from the mourning, but it wasn't the same end-of-year madness," he revealed.

Thailand's infamous party islands Koh Phan Ghan and Koh Samui (both off the Eastern Coast) were entirely unaffected by the tsunami, which was fortunate for the thousands of ravers attending the Boxing day Full Moon party on Hadrin Beach, when the wave struck the west coast.

Large numbers of western DJs were holidaying in the region at the time and a number of them are throwing a benefit party at Bophut Beach, Samui on Wednesday January 12. The sunset to sunrise party includes sets from Rob Roar, Smokin Jo, Tim Sheridan, Bora Bora's DJ Gee and BBC TV drug documentary star Brandon Block, with DC10's Jo Mills, Nightmares on Wax and Lisa Loud also expected to perform on the night. Tickets cost 800 baht. (Jonty Skrufff / Skrufff.com)

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