BANGKOK: Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-O-Cha on Thursday attended a Chinese New Year celebration in Ratchaburi province and expressed his warm welcome to Chinese tourists, reported Xinhua.
In his opening speech, Prayuth said that Thai-Chinese friendship goes back centuries and the Thai people have a tradition of celebrating the Chinese New Year. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Thailand and China have deepened cooperation in various fields for the benefit of the people of the two countries.
China has recently optimised its Covid-19 policy, and the Thai people are ready and eager to see the return of Chinese tourists, he added.
He also sent a new year's greeting in Chinese at the end of his speech, wishing everyone prosperity and luck.
Yang Xin, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, attended the event and presented Prayuth with the "red envelope" - and "fortune bag" — styled mascots specially designed for this year's Spring Festival.
Features with various performances, from dragon and lion dances to Chinese instrumental music and Teochew opera, painting, and tea- and pastry-making, transformed the venue into a vibrant scenery and attracted masses of visitors.
The celebration in Ratchaburi will be held until Jan 23. This year, many places in Thailand, including Bangkok and Phuket, have scheduled to hold "Happy Chinese New Year" celebrations with rich content and unique features. --Bernama