New Year snake slithers in

BANGKOK, 7 February 2013: Key Chinese communities in Thailand are ready to host Chinese New Year celebrations that start in earnest 10 February when Chinese around the world  welcome the Year of the Snake.

The duration of the holiday that falls in January, or February, based on the lunar calendar, is celebrated for a week up to 15 days depending on the country.

Tourism Authority of Thailand projects 2.68 million tourists will spend Bt10.8 billion from 6 to 14 February. Most of the tourists will be locals (2.4 million), while around 270,000 will be mainly Chinese or descendants of Chinese settlers who moved from mainland China to cities in Asia.

This year, TAT spent Bt30 million to support celebrations in 12 areas countrywide — Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Sawan, Ayutthaya, Suphanburi, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Hat Yai, Pattaya, Phuket and Trang.

Celebrating the 38th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and Thailand, TAT cooperates with the Ministry of Culture to send elaborate performances such as Kung Fu from Tianjin, traditional dances from Mongolia and Tibet.

TAT recommends the following venues:

• Bangkok, 10 to 11 February, at Chinatown’s Odeon roundabout on Yaowarat road, Samphanthawong district;

• Chiang Mai, 10 to 11 February, on Lao Jaou Street between Tha Pae and Chang Moi road and Vichanon Road near Varoros Market, Muang district;

• Nakhon Sawan, 3 to 14 February, at the market close to the Chao Phraya River on Kosi Road, Muang district;

• Ayutthaya, 11 to 16 February, in front of Ayuthaya Tourism Centre on Rojana road, Pratoo Chai sub-district;

• Suphan Buri, 8 to 12 February, at Dragon Descendants Musuem, Muang district, Suphan Buri;

• Nakhon Ratchasima, 8 to 10 February, at an open space near the statue of Thao Suranari, Muang district;

• Ratchaburi, 9 to 11 February, in front of Ratchaburi National Museum, Muang district;

•Songkhla, 8 to 12 February, inside the Srinakorn Foundation School, Hat Yai district;

• Trang, 8 to 10 February, in front of Trang Municipality Office and Ratchadamnoen Road, Muang district;

• Pattaya, 9 to February, at Lan Pho Naklua and Central Festival Pattaya Beach shopping mall;

• Phuket, 10 February, Sanamchai Stadium in Muang district, Phuket province.

Sourced: TTRweekly