Thais continue with Chinese New Year celebrations

BANGKOK, January 23 (TNA) - Thais of Chinese origin are celebrating the Chinese New Year throughout the country with great enthusiasm as well-known travel destinations are packed with tourists. Throughout Monday morning, Thais of Chinese and Vietnamese descents in Nakhon Phanom province could be seen giving alms to monks on the occasion of the Chinese New Year. Local festivities have been livelier this year as many people have returned to the province for the occasion. A similar scene also took place in Sakon Nakhon province, where celebrations would last until January 25. Meanwhile, in Chiang Rai province, tourists flocked on to the Golden Triangle to witness the pristine Mekong River in Chiang Saen district amidst the delightment of local hoteliers and shop owners. In Ayutthaya province, the Chinese New Year festival will start on Tuesday and continue until January 29. Marking the celebrations will be the enshrinement of 108 deity images from 16 districts in a single place, dragon dances, Chinese acrobats, pageant contests, as well as an “International Road” for foreign nationals—all aimed at promoting post-flood tourism in the city. (TNA)