BANGKOK, Jan 30 (TNA) – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra traveled to Bangkok’s Chinatown on Wednesday to join Chinese New Year celebrations, taking the subway from Sanam Chai station to Hua Lamphong station.
The trip served as a check on the effectiveness of the government’s free public transportation initiative, aimed at reducing air pollution during the recent PM2.5 crisis.
Paetongtarn posted on social media that the subway ride was also intended to assess the overall experience of commuters using the free service. She noted the high ridership and instructed Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit to ensure sufficient subway cars to accommodate the public.
Meanwhile, Chinatown, was bustling with celebrations for the Chinese New Year 2025, the Year of the Snake. This year’s festivities are particularly grand, commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China.
The theme of the celebrations, “Ignite Your Senses Embrace Our Two Cultures,” is reflected in the vibrant red and gold decorations illuminating the streets.
Visitors flocked to temples in the area to pay respects to deities and sample a wide array of culinary delights from renowned local restaurants.
In Nakhon Sawan province, the Pak Nam Pho Chinese New Year festival is underway. Running for 12 days and nights until February 2nd, the festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of the province, home to the largest population of Thai people of Chinese descent in Thailand.
Nakhon Sawan’s Chinese New Year celebrations are known for their grandeur and unique cultural blend. The festival features a dazzling display of lights and intricate dragon sculptures, attracting photographers and social media enthusiasts who capture the vibrant atmosphere in their stylish red outfits and traditional Chinese attire.
Visitors can also seek blessings from sacred deities at temporary shrines, enjoy rare traditional Chinese opera performances.
Organizers estimate that the Pak Nam Pho Chinese New Year festival will attract 990,000 tourists this year, generating over 260 million baht in revenue, surpassing the figures from the previous year. -819 (TNA)
