Behind the Spectacle: Safety, Creativity and What Pattaya Needs to Attract More World-Class Events

Thura Soe, known as Abar, is Director and owner of Pro Stage FX, a Thailand-based special-effects business working on live events across Asia. His work sits behind moments audiences may see for only seconds, where creativity, timing, technical planning and safety all have to come together. We asked him how expectations have changed, what separates professionals from amateurs, and what Pattaya needs if it wants to attract more international productions.

"The difference between a professional company and an amateur is zero tolerance to risk."

1. Special effects have evolved rapidly as audiences expect increasingly memorable live experiences. From your work across Asia, what has changed most in the technology and expectations behind major shows, and what has remained timeless about creating a moment people genuinely remember?

Over the years, people keep asking for more. We always have to deliver a different vibe, more futuristic designs and unique effects to make sure audiences never get bored with nightlife.

What has not changed, though, is the culture, the work ethic and the people who love nightlife.

2. An audience may see only a few spectacular seconds, but those seconds require careful planning. How do you turn a promoter's creative idea into a precise and reliable live effect, and what information or collaboration do you need from the organiser, production team and venue from the beginning?

Some clients are easier to work with than others. Sometimes they do not know exactly what they want, or they are new to the industry. We focus mainly on giving their audience what it wants.

We always listen first to what they want to create before giving our advice and ideas. From there, we plan with other suppliers and stage crews on equipment placement, set-up time and how everyone will work together, while maintaining good working relationships.

3. Flame, CO2, smoke, sparks and high-powered confetti can create enormous impact, but they also demand serious responsibility. Which safety standards, equipment checks, rehearsals and crew disciplines distinguish a professional special-effects company from an unsafe supplier, and what do clients most often misunderstand?

The difference between a professional company and an amateur is zero tolerance to risk.

We set ourselves apart by considering the local fire code, conducting gear tests, maintaining strict safety clearances and having a crew member dedicated to the show with a physical emergency kill switch.

Nothing is ever 100% guaranteed, but 100% safety and reliability is our standard.

We also care about the safety concerns of our clients. They might see something we miss.

4. Thailand already hosts major concerts, festivals, sporting events and destination celebrations. What makes the country attractive to international organisers, and what should Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard improve if they want to attract more world-class events and productions?

Budget efficiency, easy visa access and world-class hospitality that makes production dollars go further make Thailand a natural draw for international organisers.

For Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard, all this region really needs are purpose-built festival grounds with built-in power, faster airport and rail links to beat the traffic, and a single, streamlined process for fire and safety permits.

Put those things in place and Pattaya should be able to attract more mega-events.

5. As a Myanmar national leading a Thailand-based special-effects business serving the wider Asian market, what have you learned about building cross-cultural teams, earning trust and protecting a long-term professional reputation? What advice would you give young regional entrepreneurs entering a highly specialised industry?

Every culture is different, so you can never expect your lifestyle to fit in everywhere. You always have to observe and learn to adapt.

When it comes to business culture, earning trust is all about honesty and transparency, while maintaining your reputation is about taking responsibility.

This article forms part of Expert Views, a Town & Country Property editorial series featuring first-hand perspectives from respected business leaders and professionals connected to Thailand and its property market.
Approved by Thura Soe (Abar) for publication.