Double celebration Chinese New Year celebrations promise an array of Sino-Thai cultural delights that will make 60 years of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne a memorable anniversary. The historical Yaowarat Road will be given a make over with a myriad of Chinese cuisine and cultural shows during January 29-30 to welcome the Year of the Dog. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is expecting a sizeable amount of tourists from mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong for the occasion. Somchai Chompoonoi, head of TAT's events promotion division, said Yaowarat has one of the largest population of people of Chinese ancestry living anywhere in the world. The area is also a popular location for gold dealers and authentic Chinese food that is available round the clock. Somchai said this year's celebrations in Bangkok are a collective effort of the Chinese and Thai governments. The Chinese media is also expected to be here in force. "This year marks 60 years of His Majesty's rule and it is also the 30th anniversary of the setting up of Thai-China diplomatic relations, so Beijing is sending troupes from the Department of Fine Arts in Xian, capital of Shaanxi Province, to perform traditional dances for revellers. "There will also be a display of exotic lanterns from Foshan Province and a demonstration of kung ku martial arts. World-class lion parade and dragon dances will be there to entertain visitors free of charge," he explained. The main ceremony welcoming the Year of the Dog in Yaowarat will be presided over by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on January 29 at 5pm. Apart from an exhibition on Thai textiles and lantern-making classes, there will be booths selling products from Phufa Shop and the Thai Red Cross Society.
Somchai said there will be a lot of entertainment in store for visitors. One of the highlights is a presentation of Chinese costumes worn during the Qin Dynasty, some of which are still in vogue today, and dresses worn by Thai people since the old days until the present. Yaowarat Road will be inundated with food stalls, one of them featuring chefs from Shunde city in China's southern Guangdong Province. Another highly anticipated event is the "Lucky Ni Hao", which gives visitors dressed in red paying homage to six of Yaowarat's most sacred shrines, a chance to win prizes from a lucky draw. Somchai advised city residents not to bring their cars, but take the subway to Hua Lumphong and walk from there to Yaowarat. Police will be on duty to keep law and order. Meanwhile, TAT is also organising events in Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Pattaya in Chon Buri, Hadyai in Songkhla, Phuket and Chiang Mai to mark the occasion. In Nakhon Ratchasima, events are scheduled January 28-29 at the Statue of Khun Ying Mo and the city hall. Highlights include dragon and lion parades, a Sino-Thai cultural exhibition, fashion show, food fair and concerts. Nakhon Sawan will celebrate the festival January 22-February 2 at Sawan Nong Somboon Park on Khosee Road. Highlights are Chinese opera and a performance based on an episode from the legend of Chao Poh Chao Mae Paknampho. The resort city of Pattaya in Chon Buri will celebrate the event January 27-29 at the Walking Street. Highlights include traditional Chinese stage shows, kung fu fighting bouts and a performance by the all-conquering lion dance troupe from Guangdong Province. The city of Hat Yai, Songkhla, will mark the occasion January 28-31 at Sinakhon School. Highlights include Chinese theatre and art performances. Phuket has slated January 31-February 2 for the festival that will take place at Tai Hua Museum on Deebook Road. Highlights include concerts and dances courtesy China's Ministry of Culture. The northern province of Chiang Mai is marking the festival January 29-31 on Lao Jo Road near Warorot market. The highlight of the event will be a contest to pick the best looking Chinese boy and girl. |