So we don’t get a public holiday, but that hasn’t stopped Bangkok celebrating Chinese New Year today.
Before the official celebrations kick off in Chinatown at 5pm tonight, Bangkokians were celebrating with firecrackers, lion dances, and parades on the streets and in malls today.
Meanwhile people with Chinese roots paid respects to Guan Yin, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, at the Guan Yin shrine at Thian Fah Hospital, while others prayed to Cai Shen, the Chinese god of prosperity, at Wat Mangkon Kamalawat.
Cultural displays, dance and musical performances will feature at the celebrations over the next two days, including lantern decorations, dragon parades and lion dances, street stalls selling Chinese food and souvenirs. Famous troupes and performers from China will provide entertainment.
Traffic has been closed off between Odean Circle, Yaowarat Road and Ratchawong Intersection to make way for the festivities. Roads will reopen on Wednesday at 6pm.
Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul and Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Ning Fukui delivered new year blessings at the China Culture Center in Bangkok, wishing Thailand and China a long and beneficial relationship and happiness and prosperity for Thai-Chinese residents.
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