Revellers are expected to spend Bt260 million at the party, which will be staged in front of CentralWorld for the seventh successive year.

Yesterday, TAT adviser Juthamas Siriwan signed an agreement with four private organisations to be the main sponsors of the countdown: Visa International (Thailand), Total Access Communication, Central Pattana and an association of retailers in the Rajprasong area.

"The event has attracted increasing attention from locals and foreigners, who now recognise Bangkok as the centre of tourism in Southeast Asia," said Juthamas.

The TAT helped Pathum Wan district officials and the Rajprasong retailers install special festive lighting in an area from the Maneeya Centre Building towards Rama I Road and CentralWorld.

The lights were turned on yesterday, and the roads will remain lit up until January 15.

Nine-metre-high Christmas trees have been placed in front of major department stores.

On New Year's Eve, revellers will be entertained by performances from RS and BEC World artists. Channel 3 will broadcast the event live from 10.30pm to 1am.

Early on January 1, 80 monks will collect alms along the elevated Rajprasong walkway linking CentralWorld and the Intercontinental Hotel. "This will be to celebrate His Majesty the King's 80th birthday next year," said Juthamas.

She is confident the event will strengthen the Rajprasong area's position as a major shopping area. Last year, 256,715 people attended the New Year's Eve party.