Couples register marriage at Bangkok's floating market, Thais extend love to animals

BANGKOK, February 14 (TNA) - Bangkok's Dusit District Office joined hands with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in organising the "Dusit Love Maker", registering marriage licenses at the capital's new floating market, Phadung Krung Kasem Canal on St.Valentine's Day on Saturday, with special promotions offered to couples participating in the event. Head of Dusit District Office Wisut Thammaviriyawong told journalists Dusit District was registering marriage licenses outside the office on the bank of the Phadung Krung Kasem Canal to create an atmosphere fitting the Day of Love. Besides, the initiative service was aimed to provide convenience to couples wishing to tie the knots on the Day of Love, while promoting the importance of family. The event was co-organised by the Dusit District Office, BMA and Thailand's Koo Sang Koo Som (Perfect Couple) Magazine. Apart from getting their marriage licenses, couples also received souvenirs from the district office and a special promotional tour for a day at the nearby Dusit Zoo, in which the district office provided vehicle services to and from the zoo. The Dusit District Office also organised a boat service to provide couples with an enjoyable boat ride along the canal so that they could take photos as souvenirs and buy goods at the floating market. The marriage registration was held until 4pm with more than 30 couples expected to get their marriage licenses there. In Chiang Mai Province in the Thai North, international visitors to Ching Mai Zoo presented their Valentine's gifts to Xuang Xuang and Lin Hui, a panda couple representing China's animal ambassadors to Thailand. Chiang Mai Zoo's Deputy Director Niphon Wichairat said the event, in which Xuang Xuang and Lin Hui were given their favourite fruit gifts enclosed in heart-shaped cloth packs, was aimed to encourage people to also extend their love to animals on the St. Valentine's Day. Meanwhile, BMA reported on Saturday evening that more than 2,800 couples had registered their marriage with all 43 district offices in Bangkok on St. Valentine's Day this year, with the Bang Rak District, meaning the community of love in Thai, topping the list at 737 couples. (TNA)