Celebrate Chinese New Year in Thailand

One New Year is behind us but another - the Year of the Dog, according to the Chinese calendar - is on the way. In Bangkok there isn't a better place to mark the occasion than in Yaowaraj, the famous Chinatown in the city's Samphanthawong District. The district is also using the event, January 29-30, to celebrate 60 years of His Majesty the King's reign during which Yaowaraj will be draped in brilliant colours of red and gold to complement lanterns that will be flown in specially for the occasion from Foshan Folk Art Research Institute in Guangzhou, southern China, together with its all-conquering lion and dragon dance troupes and award winning cuisine that's sure to appeal to the Thai palate. Similar celebrations will take throughout the country. Here is a brief run-down of events in major tourist attractions.

Phuket's Chinese New Year:

The province will celebrate the event January 31-February 2 at the Thai Hua Phuket Museum on Dibuk Road. Phuket has a large Chinese community mostly of Peranakan ancestry whose lineage goes back to early Chinese settlers who migrated from the mainland to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Their descendants made Phuket their new home. They took up native customs in order to assimilate with the local community. You can enjoy watching Sino-Portuguese architecture along Dibuk Road that will be illuminated in the evening. Exhibition and seminars on Peranakan culture are also on the cards. Other highlights include fashion show, costume contest, food fair and cultural performances. A dance troupe from Xian and exponents of Shaolin martial arts will also be there to regale visitors. For more details, call the Tourism Authority of Thailand office in Phuket at 076-211-036, 076-212-213.

Pattaya's Chinese New Year:

The walking street in South Pattaya will be the scene of celebrations during January 27-29. The festivity formally kicks off at the Pattaya City Hall with a homage to King Taksin. It will feature the traditional Chinese lion and dragon dance, beauty pageant, and concerts by leading singers and DJs.

Hat Yai's Chinese New Year:

This district of Songkhla will celebrate the Chinese New Year during January 28-29 at the compound of Si Nakhon School with a lion dance, a demonstration kung-fu martial arts and other events.

Nakhon Ratchasima's New Year:

The province will mark the Chinese New Year from January 28-29 at the Statue of Thao Suranari and the city hall.

Nakhon Sawan's Chinese New Year:

Celebrations are scheduled January 23-February 2 by the Chao Phraya River and Sawan Nong Sombun Park. Among the events scheduled is an exhibition that traces the roots of famous Chinese families in the province, a stage performance titled "The Legend of Chao Pho Pak Nam Pho", dragon dance, Chinese opera and sales of OTOP products.

Chiang Mai's Chinese New Year:

A dance troupe from Kunming, China, will perform there during January 29-31 at Trok Lao Cho near Warorot market. There will be parades, stage performances and more. For details, call TAT office in Chiang Mai at 053-248-604 and 053-248-607, or Chiang Mai Municipality Information Office at 053-259-366 and 053-233-178. Get more information about Chinese New Year in Thailand Written by Thanin Weeradet