On the "moment-supreme": stay away from the crowded bar-areas.
A lot of daft people, Thai and foreigners, will throw fireworks wherever they can.

The best places to celebrate in Pattaya are in your hotel.......they usually organize NYE-parties with food, drinks and music.
If you don't like to be stuck in your hotel, try Bali Hai Pier.......there will be End of Year festivities from the 25th until the 1st, with a nice count down on the 31st.

I'm not sure about the festivities in BKK, but I've heard that the countdown there is also spectacular.