Thais celebrate New Year nationwide

BANGKOK, December 31 (TNA) - A lively atmosphere prevails in many parts in Thailand on the day of New Year’s Eve. In the northern province of Chiang Mai, tourists thronged Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep temple to make worships for good luck. The massive arrivals caused traffic congestion lasting up to a few hours, prompting authorities to close off several roads. Further up north in Chiang Rai province, the Chiang Rai Flower Festival thrilled thousands of visitors with an exquisite display of some 100,000 tulip flowers. At least 100,000 people were expected to visit the venue for Saturday night’s New Year countdown. In Phitsanulok province, large arrivals of tourists were seen at the Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park. Many of them stayed on Phu Phaeng Ma mountain Saturday morning to admire the sunrise and misty setting. Local temperatures there ranged from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. In seaside Rayong province, Thai and Myanmarese people as well as tourists crowded fresh markets and business areas to buy food and gifts for the festive season. (TNA)