Bangkok all set for Chinese New Year 2004 Celebrations

Chinese New Year is to be celebrated in style in Thailand with major festivities and events in Bangkok between 22 - 23 January, 2004.

Yaowarat Road, known as the city’s ‘Chinatown’ will come alive with two days of exhibitions, performances and cultural events designed to showcase the best of Chinese traditions in Thailand. The events will be held from 12.00 hrs - 24.00 hrs on both days.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is cooperating with the Bangkok city governorate, Sampantawong district community and the ethnic-Chinese Thai community in organising the Chinese New Year Festival which this year will also commemmorate Her Majesty the Queen Sirikit’s 72nd birthday.

Over 20,000 Chinese visitors are expected to be in Thailand during the Chinese New Year, including those from Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. 

The grand opening will be held at 16.00 hrs on January 22, presided over by H.E. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Minister of Tourism and Sports H.E. Mr. Sontaya Khunplome, diplomats and representatives of groups from the Chinese government, the Governor of Bangkok Mr. Samak Sundaravej, TAT Governor Mrs. Juthamas Siriwan and representatives of the Thai-Chinese Association.

This will be followed by a Chinese dragon and lion dance, a demonstration of Chinese gymnasts and traditional performances from China.

A 73 metre long greeting book is to be opened for people who would like to sign felicitations and congratulatory messages for Her Majesty the Queen. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is also scheduled to visit at 17.00 hrs on the opening day.

TAT Governor Mrs. Juthamas Siriwan said, “Chinese New Year is one of the main festivals in Thailand. The organisers of the various events have worked hard to create a schedule of events that everyone will enjoy, both local people and visitors.”

The two days will be highlighted by performances of Chinese traditional dances, light and sound shows, dragon and lion dances, Chinese movies and exhibitions.

Yaowarat, Trimit and Ratchawong Roads will be decorated with 2,500 Chinese lamps to provide a rich Chinese atmosphere.

Mrs. Juthamas said, “This year will be a special celebration reflecting the close relationship between the Thai and Chinese people as well as their love for Her Majesty the Queen.

“As Yaowarat is the longest “Golden Road” in the world, gold-shops along the road are offering special prices for tourists to buy gold as souvenirs or for investment,” she said.

Mrs Juthamas noted that visitor arrivals from China have been rising rapidly. China was the third largest generator of tourists for Thailand in 2002. 

The SARS outbreak in the region caused a decline of 28.77% in Chinese arrivals between January - September 2003, but arrivals picked up again quickly after the crisis faded and in September 2003 recorded a 2.55% increase to 61,182.