Chinese New Year celebrations in Thailand

THAILAND, February 8 (TNA) - Areas across Thailand have organised activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year 2016. In Bangkok, a grand Chinese New Year festival is organised in Yaowarat area, known as the capital's Chinatown, attended as well by Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha. In Chachoengsao Province in the Thai East, a magnificent Chinese New Year lanterns 2016 at Pad Riew event has been organised for international visitors to witness a fascinating lion dance parade, along with a procession of the God of Wealth statue and peach blossoms throughout the province until February 9, which are all believed to bring good luck to people, while beautiful lanterns are also decorated along the two banks of the Bang Pakong River. In Trang Province in the Thai Far South, a Chinese New Year festival has been organised at the provincial Clock Tower intersection to promote local tourism and conserve the Thai-Chinese cultures and traditions, with its highlights including a service offered by the provincial Chinese calligraphy club on writing well-wishes in Chinese for international visitors, a prayer session to worship the Cai Shen, the God of Wealth and Fortune, a children's beauty contest and a food court where selected Chinese dishes are offered by over 100 shops. Even in Narathiwat Province in the Muslim-predominant southern Thai border region, a Chinese New Year festival has been organised at the Mae Toh Goddess Shrine in Su-ngai Golok, aimed to both promote the Thai-Chinese traditions and stimulate local tourism. (TNA)