The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting all to join in its unique Chinese New Year (CNY) 2020 celebrations organised in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket to ring in the auspicious ‘Year of the Rat’.

TAT’s annual celebration marks the 45^th anniversary of Chinese-Thai relations in 2020. It also marks the 15^th year of cultural cooperation between TAT and China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, with 2020 being even more special as it’s the TAT’s 60^th anniversary.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor (in above picture) said, “Thailand’s Chinese New Year Celebration is one of the most unique events, and biggest, outside of China. It is considered one of the most important festivals in Thailand, that each year attracts a growing number of local and international tourists. This year TAT’s CNY 2020 celebrations are focusing on traditional celebrations that can also blend in with modern activities. 

“TAT’s events also graciously receive support from China with cultural performances. In turn TAT will organise a special tour for Chinese performers to experience ‘Amazing Thailand: Open to the New Shades” showcasing community and responsible tourism, so that they can share their experiences with their families and friends back home and hopefully inspire them to also visit Thailand.” 

TAT is organising Chinese New Year 2020 celebrations in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, from 22 January to 2 February, 2020, inclusive of the following activities:

BANGKOK

Chinese New Year Celebration 2020 at Siam Square

From 24 to 26 January – activities include Chinese New Year blessings by Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports and China’s Minister of Culture and Tourism on 24 January, 2020, 17.00 Hrs.: Cultural performances from China (disabled dance troupe from Beijing, dance and musical troupe from Jiangxi, acrobatic troupe from Shanxi, Kung Fu troupe from Henan, dance troupe from Jilin, and dance troupe from Inner Mongolia); venue decorations in Chinese style with an auspicious tunnel and the chance to pay homage to Chinese gods; cooking demonstrations of auspicious food and desserts; Chinese cultural demonstrations including Chinese calligraphy and Xiangqi (Chinese chess), and performances by Thai pop stars.

Chinese New Year Celebration 2020 on Yaowarat Road

From 25 to 26 January – The opening ceremony on 25 January will be presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn together with senior officials from Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, TAT, and China’s Minister of Culture and Tourism. 

The two-day event will feature Thai-Chinese cultural exchange performances including a disabled dance troupe from Beijing and dance and musical troupe from Jiangxi on 25 January, and dance troupe from Jilin on 26 January. TAT will have a booth to hand out its 60^th anniversary commemorative coin – the head of the coin is the image of the Golden Buddha of Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan. The tail image marks the ‘Year of the Rat zodiac sign for 2020 painted by Mr. Han Meilin, China’s national artist, plus Chinese language inscription wishing all for a happy, prosperous, and safe year.

Other notable events include an art exhibition of zodiac signs by China’s national artist Mr. Han Meilin, from 21 to 27 January 2020, at the Fashion Hall, Siam Paragon, and from 20 January to 9 February, 2020 at the China Cultural Centre in Bangkok.

On 22 January, there’s a special performance by a disabled dance troupe from Beijing, a CSR activity to inspire people with disabilities in Thailand, at the China Cultural Centre in Bangkok.