BANGKOK, 7 February 2018; Thailand residents will enjoy their second New Year celebrations in just the space of two months when the country’s Chinese community ushers in the Chinese New Year of the Dog, 16 February.
While it is not an official holiday in the national calendar, Bangkok is decidedly quieter as Thais of Chinese ancestry close their businesses for a week.
The lunar New Year celebrations will be held from 13 to 23 February, at various cities across the country that have large Thai-Chinese communities.
Tourism Authority of Thailand’s governor, Yuthasak Supasorn, told a media briefing: “With millions of Thais of Chinese descent, Chinese New Year has always been a time to celebrate with the family across Thailand.
“This year, locals and international visitors are invited to join in 13 major official celebrations nationwide, each of which is home to large, established Chinese communities, with spectacular food and cultural performances taking centre stage.”
Chinese New Year celebrations promoted by the TAT, the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China, and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand have been held since 2003, held in various cities in the country.
Chinese New Year Festivals
Photharam Chinatown Chinese New Year, Ratchaburi, 5-14 February
Pak Nam Pho Chinese New Year, Nakhon Sawan, 9-20 February
Chinese New Year, Phetchaburi, 15-17 February
16th Chiang Mai Chinatown Chinese New Year, 16-17 February
Yaowarat Chinatown Chinese New Year, 16-17 February
Suphan Buri Chinese New Year, 16-17 February
Chinese New Year, Trang, 16-18 February
Chinese New Year, Nakhon Ratchasima, 16-18 February
Udon Thani Chinese New Year, 16-18 February
Chinese New Year, Songkhla (Hat Yai), 16-19 February
Chinese New Year, Chon Buri (Pattaya), 16-25 February
Ancient Capital Miracle Chinese New Year, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, 17-22 February
Phuket Chinese New Year and Old Town Festival, 21-23 February.
(Source: TAT)
