Welcoming the Year of the Dog
People of Thai-Chinese roots across Thailand are preparing for Chinese New Year celebrations next week, starting on Wednesday, Feb 14, which is payday, continuing to Thursday, Feb 15, a worship day, and the start of Chinese New Year on Friday, Feb 16 — officially kicking off the Year of the Dog, in accordance with Chinese calendar.
Activities and events in celebration of Chinese New Year will be held in many provinces throughout the country. Here are some of the highlights:
Bangkok’s Yaowarat areas starting from the Chinatown Gate (Odian Circle) will be redder than ever, adorned with lots and lots of red Chinese lanterns and blessing words. This year the Chinese New Year celebration at Yaowarat takes place from Feb 16-17, featuring many cultural performances from China and booths selling food and beverages. Call 02-235-9127.
The Poh Teck Tung Foundation on Phlap Phla Chai Road in Bangkok is holding a merit-making ceremony from Feb 15-24, inviting people to make donations to help the underprivileged and join the rites to ward off bad luck and bring prosperity for the Chinese New Year. Call 02-226-4444 or visit facebook.com/atpohtecktung.
In downtown Bangkok, Central Department Store and Central Embassy are also holding Central Chinese New Year 2018, featuring the 149m-long dragon dance, the longest in Thailand to date, on Feb 13. There are also lion dance shows, Chinese cultural performances, as well as Chinese-themed souvenirs and auspicious Chinese food available at the Chinese Market. Activities, both held at Central Chidlom and Central Embassy, run until Feb 18. Call 02-793-7400 or visit central.co.th.
Nakhon Sawan province holds a very big Chinese New Year celebration titled the 102nd Anniversary Paknam pho Chinese New Year 2018, starting today until 20 Feb. There are a lot of beautiful parades including Golden Lion parade, Beijing Lion parade, Hokkien Lion parade, Chinese musical performances and many more. Among the highlights are the Parade of Deities (night) on Sunday, Feb 18, and Parade of Deities (day) on Monday, Feb 19. Call 086-933-5550 or visit facebook.com/ paknam pho chi nese new year.
Trang City Municipality also joins the rest of the country in celebrating the Year of the Dog from Feb 15-17. Events and activities are held in front of the Trang Municipality Office. They include local performances, a kung fu show, an exhibition on the history of Trang province and booths selling food and drinks. Call 075-218-017 or visit trangcity.go.th.
Hat Yai Chinese New Year 2018 will be held at Srinakorn Foundation School in Hat Yai district of Songkhla province from Feb 16-19, featuring a lion dance from Nakhon Sawan, Chinese Kids 2018 contest, Miss Hat Yai Chinese 2018, fireworks and the worshipping ceremony for Chinese deities. Delicious Chinese treats are also on offer. Call 082-429-6161, 074-356-393/4 or visit facebook. com/ Hat yai Chinese New Year Festival.
The northeastern province of Udon Thani also organises Chinese New Year activities, starting today until Feb 18. Mostly they are worshipping ceremonies for the Chinese gods as well as lion and dragon parades. Call 042-244-442 or visit facebook.com/puyaudon.