TAT to celebrate Chinese New Year 2017 with a touch of Thainess at Bangkoks Lumphini Park

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing to celebrate the Chinese New Year 2017 with a touch of Thainess, as part of this year’s Thailand Tourism Festival (TTF) at Bangkok’s Lumphini Park from 25-29 January. TAT is also extending support to major destinations nationwide in their preparations to mark the New Year of the Rooster during 21 January – 5 February. All of these activities are expected to attract 825,000 international visitors to Thailand and generate 19.1 billion Baht (US$530 million) in revenue for the Thai economy.

TAT has announced details of the preparations to celebrate the Chinese New Year 2017 with a touch of Thainess during today’s press conference, which also joined by Mr. Chen Jiang, Culture Counselor, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor said, “Thailand is known as the host of the biggest celebration of the Lunar New Year outside of the People’s Republic of China, and is one of only five countries in the world that the Chinese government would send their high-ranking officials to attend the festival. 2017 also marks the 42nd year of Sino-Thai diplomatic relations as well as the 13th anniversary of cooperation between TAT and the Chinese Ministry of Culture in co-hosting the Chinese New Year celebrations here. By putting in a touch of Thainess, we want to ensure that Thailand’s celebrations to mark the Chinese New Year 2017 will be unique and memorable for local and international tourists.”

During the five-day TTF 2017, TAT has dedicated Zone 8 – of the total 10 zones – as a Chinatown to celebrate the Chinese New Year 2017 with the best of the best from major Chinese communities across the nation. Local and international tourists visiting this re-creation of Thailand’s Chinatown can pay respect to Chinese gods, learn about the different Sino-Thai traditions of the various Chinese communities, have their fortune read by famous Thai fortune-tellers, and taste famous Chinese dishes from different regions, while enjoying the spectacular lightings and decorations as well as fun games and lucky draws.

As usual, the Ministry of Culture, the People’s Republic of China has again prepared special cultural shows from famous troupes and more than 100 performers as part of the wishes for the Year of the Rooster for the people of Thailand, including dance, musical, Kungfu, and acrobatic performances and puppet shows. Visitors will also have the chance to taste authentic Chinese dishes and desserts cooked by 20 famous chefs from Beijing.

Major destinations nationwide that TAT is providing support to mark the Chinese New Year 2017 include:

• Pak Nam Pho Chinese New Year, Nakhon Sawan, from 21 January – 1 February.
• Udon Thani Chinese New Year 2017 from 27 – 31 January.
• 15th Chiang Mai Chinatown Festival from 28-29 January.
• Pattaya Chinese New Year 2017 on 28 January.
• Korat Chinese New Year at Chompol Road on 28-29 January and The Mall Korat – Glorious Chinese New Year at The Mall Park on 25 January – 1 February.
• Ratchaburi Chinese New Year 2017 at the Ratchaburi National Museum on 25-29 January and Photharam Chinatown at Photharam district on 10-14 February.
• Ancient Capital Miracle Chinese New Year 2017, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, on 29 January-3 February.
• 18th Phuket Chinese New Year and Old Town Festival on 2-4 February.

For more information call 1672 or visit: www.tourismthailand.org/thaifests