Chinese New Year Festival to be held in 12 provinces

BANGKOK, Feb 2 (TNA) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), China’s Ministry of Culture and Chinese embassy to Thailand plan to organise the Chinese New Year Festival in 12 provinces to celebrate 43rd diplomatic relations. Thai-Chinese communities are located in these 12 provinces, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Sawan, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chon Buri, Songkhla, Trang and Phuket. Presidents of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, Vichit Prakobkosol said that this year, the Chinese New Year Festival will be held from Feb 15 to 24. It is expected that about 400,000 Chinese tourists will travel to Thailand via more than 100 charter flights during the ten-day celebration period, generating an income of 20 billion baht, he said. Meanwhile, advisor to the Association of Domestic Travel Yutthachai Sunthonrattanawet said Thai people are likely to visit temples and shrines for blessing. As this year, the Chinese New Year falls on weekday, so the annual activities will be held as usual without any special new campaign. - (TNA)