Over 10 countries join balloon festival in Thailand

BANGKOK, December 6 (TNA) - Some 30 giant hot-air balloons from over 10 countries have joined this year’s Thailand International Balloon Festival, which is being held in the northern capital of Chiang Mai. Sponsored by several private enterprises, the two-day festival began Saturday at Chiang Mai’s Gymkhana Golf Club. The festival, the eight of its kind, is aimed at celebrating His Majesty the King’s 87th birthday and to promote tourism in the province. Spectators were excited to see lots of giant balloons in the clear sky of the province at once. Some of them were as tall as a five-storey building. They also had a chance to ride on a balloon and get a bird-eye view of the Thai northern capital. Besides giant balloons, people attending the festival are enjoying displays of small balloons and light and sound shows, with fireworks, musical concert by popular celebrities and singers at night. (TNA)