To launch Iconsiam from Nov 9-11, the event organiser and Intel Technology Asia have collaborated to produce a 10 minute drone light performance as part of the one-hour show "Eternal Prosperity". The event will take place at the River Park on the banks of the Chao Phraya.
The Intel Drone Light Show at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, Pyeongchang, opening ceremony. Intel Corporation
The first drone light performance in Thailand will use 1,500 drones -- more than were used at the Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
"Eternal Prosperity highlights Thai heritage, art and culture," said co-CEO of Index, Kreingkarn Kanjanapokin. "Drones will be a part of the show when performers pay respect to the river goddess. The drones represent the glittering waters before rising to transform into the galaxy, stars and eventually angels to give blessings.
"The drones will return at the end of the show to depict Thai flags."
The drones, called Intel Shooting Stars, are created and used specifically for light shows. Each 330g drone is equipped with LED lights creating 4 billion colours and can fly for eight minutes. Though Intel succeeded in creating the show at the Olympic Winter Games -- where they had to deal with ice, snow and high winds -- in a tropical country like Thailand they have other obstacles. The first is finding an area for 1,500 drones to sit before take-off.
"Because the drones' batteries are limited, they can't fly for a long time. We had to build a 20m by 60m pontoon to float in the river," Kreingkarn said.
For safety, the team had to ask for permission from many authorities.
"We use a GPS signal, so we went to the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission. Then, we asked the Civil Aviation Training Center about flying drones at night and higher than 92m. Since the drones fly above the river, we had to ask permission from the Marine Department and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration," said Sontiya Nujeeseng, CCG platform & distribution director of Asia Pacific & Japan at Intel.
After six months of preparation, they expect to put on the perfect show.
"To ensure our best, we will have several flight tests. Crews will check weather and wind speed. If it isn't raining, it will be fine. This show is challenging and unique, since it is a combination of local culture and high technology. We want Iconsiam to be memorable," Sontiya concluded.
