CELEBRATING 37 YEARS OF THAI-CHINESE RELATIONS 
January 19 – 29, 2012
Bangkok (Samphanthawong district on Yaowarat Road) and the provinces of Chiang Mai, Nakhon Sawan (Pak Nam Pho), Suphan Buri, Ratchaburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chon Buri (Pattaya), Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Songkhla (Hat Yai), Phuket and Trang.

CENTRAL THAILAND 

AYUTTHAYA ANCIENT CITY CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2012 
January 24 – 29, 2012 
Naresuan Road from Chao Phrom Market to Chao Ai Chao Yi Chedi 

Highlights and Activities

Dragon contest

The procession staged by the 108 Chinese shrines in the 16 districts of Ayutthaya province presents an opportunity for local residents to pay homage to Chinese deities and guardian spirits who watch over them and ensure their good fortune and well-being.The Best of Ayutthaya Food Festival and a retro-market staged to capture the atmosphere of traditional markets in times past. The event is being organized with the support of organizations representing various Chinese family names.Food-eating contests with Chinese-style kuay teow noodles and other savoury and sweet dishes traditionally prepared and presented as ceremonial offerings such as khanom tian, a triangular-shaped steamed sticky rice Thai dessert with savoury filling wrapped in banana leaf, khanom keng – a traditional Chinese-style steamed dessert made with glutinous rice flour and molasses and coconut, salapao – Chinese-style dumplings with savoury and sweet filling, and roti sai mai – a dessert made with fine strands of candy floss wrapped in a flour roll.Chinese teng leng lantern displays and contests

Young Miss Chinese contest

SINO-SIAMESE RELATIONSHIP FESTIVAL 
January 20 – 22, 2012/ 17.00 – 21.00 hrs 
At the Ayutthaya Tourism Centre (Old Provincial Hall)

Ayutthaya provincial authorities have received exceptional cooperation and support from the People’s Republic of China Ministry of Culture in jointly staging a spectacular cultural showcase as part of the province’s Sino-Siamese Relationship Festival – a celebration of Chinese as well as Thai culture.

The cultural showcase sponsored by the Chinese state authorities will be presented by a cast of 180 performers from Inner Mongolia, the city of Xinji in Hebei province in northern China, Qinghai Tibetan (Qingzang) Plateau, and Kansu province. This includes a performance by the Chinese National Orchestra, a live demonstration of kung fu martial arts and Chinese acrobatics. Visitors will be presented with an opportunity to taste a wide variety of Thai and Chinese delicacies and shop for products from the PRC such as fine Chinese silks and ceramic and porcelain products from Jiang Xi province, the home of Chinese porcelain.

 

SUPHAN BURI CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2012
January 23 – 29, 2012 
Museum of the Descendants of the Dragon in Suphan Buri 

The grand opening ceremony of the Suphan Buri Chinese New Year Festival will be held on January 24.

Cultural Performances
January 24 – 29, 2012 
The programme of engaging cultural presentations from the People’s Republic of China features the following highlights.Thousand Arms Kuan Yin, Goddess of Mercy and Compassion Chinese acrobatic performance Light and pyrotechnics show and Heavenly Glowing Dragon display Fireworks show Folk music performance 

RATCHABURI CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2012
January 22 – 26, 2012 
In front of Ratchaburi National Museum 

Highlights Presentation of Kung fu from Beijing, PRC
January 24 – 26 Ratchaburi Chinatown Procession Waterscreen and fireworks display Young Mr & Miss Chinatown contest and Mr and Miss Chinatown contest 

NORTHERN THAILAND 

NAKHON SAWAN CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2012 
The Amazing Realm of the Dragon 
January 16 – 27, 2012

The province of Nakhon Sawan is known to the locals by its other name — Pak Nam Pho. This is where the Ping, Wang, Yom, and Nan rivers converge to form the Chao Phraya River — the ‘River of Kings’. Hence, the province is frequently referred to as the ‘gateway’ to the North.

Nakhon Sawan is famous for the Chao Por-Chao Mae Pak Nam Pho fair and procession, organised by Thais of Chinese ancestry in Nakhon Sawan Province during the Chinese New Year celebrations. The festivities are held in honour of Chao Poh Pak Nam Pho, a highly revered deity, hence the origins of its name.

January 24 – 26: 
Special performance of folk dances from the city of Xinji in Hebei province in northern China

Local residents seek blessings for the 2012 Chinese New Year – the Year of the Dragon – by paying homage to Chao Phor and Chaoe Mae Pak Nam Pho, the guardian spirits of Nakhon Sawan province.

Visitors and residents are invited to take part in merit-making activities at Lan Boon Thepachao, the Garden of Chinese Deities.

 

CHIANG MAI CHINATOWN CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2012 
January 23 – 24, 2012 
Laow Chow Lane, Chiang Mai 

Highlights

The Chiang Mai Chinatown Chinese New Year Festival presents a rare opportunity to enjoy a musical performance by the Chinese National Opera on 24 January.Witness the Golden Dragon and Golden Lion Procession and a cultural procession staged by the province’s ethnic Chinese Tai Seua tribespeople. 

NORTHEASTERN THAILAND  

NAKHON RATCHASIMA (KORAT) CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 
In Search of Chin Shi
January 20 – 25, 2012 
At the Thao Suranaree Memorial Plaza, Suan Suranaree (Suranaree Park) Suan Anusornstaan (Anusornstaan Park) in Nakhon Ratchasima provincial centre and town (Amphoe Mueang)

The 2012 Chinese New Year celebrations in Nakhon Ratchasima province, also known as Korat, are being staged under the theme “In Search of Chin Shi”. The cultural highlights being presented as part of the festivities pays tribute to the first great emperor of the Chin Dynasty, Chin Shih Huang-ti (also known as Qin Shi Huang or Qin Er Shi) and celebrates his many great achievements that live on as part of a rich legacy long cherished by those of Chinese ancestry.

Festival activities will take place in several dedicated zones.

Chinatown 
Brimming with a myriad stalls, the zone captures the atmosphere of a bustling traditional marketplace where merchants and vendors engage in brisk trade.

Paying homage to deities and guardian spirits at the sacred site of the Thao Suranaree Memorial

To ensure good luck and prosperity, the festival pays homage to both Chinese deities and guardian spirits as well as the much loved Thao Suranaree, the local heroine of Nakhon Ratchasima province. Religious rituals and ceremonies will be performed at the Thao Suranaree Memorial plaza. This is also the venue of the Thao Suranaree show. A giant red dragon sculpture serves as a symbolic festive centrepiece.

A welcome ceremony will be held in honour of the Chinese Deities of Good Fortune at 11 pm (23.00 hrs) on 22 January.

The Forbidden Palace, Central Stage
A replica of the Forbidden City comes complete with the Chinese emperor’s palace and legendary army of terracotta soldiers.

Cultural Performances 
The programme of splendid cultural performances will include a rarely seen performance of Chinese opera with spectacular costumes and impressive backdrops, colourful processions led by the Dragon Procession and Lion Dance, the Fire Dragon Show, mini-light-and-sound show and other attractions.

Folk dances from Qinghai Tibetan (Qingzang) Plateau
January 24 at Thao Suranaree Memorial Plaza
January 25 at The Mall Nakhon Ratchasima 
This magnificent cultural showcase featuring six folk dances presented by twenty performers depicts the culture and way of life of the people of the Tibetan Highlands.

Art installations at Anusornstaan Park (Suan Anusornstaan) 
These feature sculptures of traditional Chinese lanterns in the shape of auspicious mythical creatures from Chinese and Thai legend and folklore, especially dragons, swans (hongse), and the Eight Dieties (Poi Sian). A multi-coloured dragon-shaped teng leng Chinese lantern is one of the centrepieces of the display.Food Street with a multitude of shops and food stalls offering a great variety of delicious food  

SOUTHERN THAILAND 

PHUKET CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2012 
January 28 – 30, 2012 
Phuket Old Town – Klang Road, Thalang Road, Thepkasatri Road 

The festive highlights include:A procession in honour of His Majesty the King Baba Yaya Peranakan Procession Journey back in time as Old Phuket turns back the clock and visitors are treated to a rare performance of a Portuguese-style stage play presented by the Thai Peranakan Association based in Phuket town.Local cultural showcase with colourful presentations of local culture, tradition and way of life on the tropical island paradise of Phuket.Phuket residents observe time-honoured traditions and pay homage to the highly revered Goddess Kuan Yin and other Chinese deities and guardian spirits.

HAT YAI CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2012
January 21 – 25, 2012 
At Srinakhorn Foundation School 

Highlights A ceremony hosted in honour of His Majesty the King Chinese acrobatic show from Kansu province, the People’s Republic of China. A spectacular fireworks and light-and-sound show with colourful bursts of fireworks taking the shape of waterfalls, silver dragon and golden dragon. Silver dragon, Golden dragon and Lion Dance show from Nakhon Sawan province Concert by Chinese singer and Nadech and Yaya – both popular local artists representing Thai TV Channel 3 .Miss Hatyai Chinese 2012 contest and China Doll 2012 contest International karaoke singing contest Local residents and visitors are invited to take part in merit-making activities and pay homage to nine sacred gods in accordance with Chinese customs and traditions.

Live demonstrations of traditional Chinese recreational games, the Chinese way of life, and tai chi

The opening ceremony will be held on 23 January at Srinakhorn Foundation School.

Activities on Sanehanusorn Road Dragon gate and decorative light display along Sanehanusorn Road presents photo opportunities for visitors.A Chinese New Year Parade along the streets of the commercial zone in Hat Yai. The route begins at Nipatuthit 2 Road, proceeds along Nipatuthit 3 Road, and ends at Sri Nakhon Foundation School.

       As you all know, some lower northern and central parts of Thailand are being damaged by floods. The destinations around the areas consequently have to be closed to visitors. However, for those who still have the heart for traveling and do not give up on their trips in this Land of Smiles. Sukjai would like to recommend some spots in Thailand where you can enjoy a getaway without the risk of being affected by the inundation.

       Starting with the central region, many interesting historical destinations from World War II in Kanchanaburi province are still available.You can also pay respects to the tallest stupa in the world, Phra Pathom Chedi, in Nakhon Pathom. Additionally, the famous Amphawa Floating Market and other areas in Samut Songkhram are still deluge-free. They boast a number of delicious Thai dishes. Or else you may like to appreciate the Tha Chalom Fisherman Village in SamutSakhon.

       In the northeast or Isan region of Thailand, there are many places open for you. Loei province features spectacular destinations such as Chiang Khan, Phu Kradueng, Phu Rua, and Phu Luang. Surin is another province where various historical sites can be explored, for example Prasat Muang Thi, Prasat Hin Ban Phluang, Prasat Ta Muang Thom. The Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung in the nearby province of Buriram is also a great place to visit.

       The all-time favorite for your trip in eastern Thailand can never be anywhere else but the colorful, cosmopolitan city of Pattaya. The downtown can be found in the beach location of Chon Buri province where beautiful islands of Ko Chang and Ko Si Chang are also highlights. Chanthaburi province, next to Chon Buri, is also another wonderful destination where you can enjoy natural wonders like waterfalls, beaches, and wildlife sanctuaries. The other place you should not miss is Koh Samed in Rayong, the number one island destination in eastern Thailand.

       There are so many other provinces in Thailand you can explore that Sukjai cannot list them all here. You guys can check out the available tourist spots in Thailand by following this link http://thai.tourismthailand.org/home/whats-new/whats-new-info/parent/1417/lang/2/?home_news_id=671&cHash=c720f35879 or call the TAT Contact Center at 1672 for more information. The friendly TAT staff is ready to suggest you all the safe places in Thailand that will suit your preference.

       See? There are lots of places waiting for you despite the tough time. The fantastic nature, unique culture and traditions, historical sites, and other destinations that cannot be fully appreciated on the Internet or books are still here. Pack your bags now and do not hesitate to come to Thailand! ^^