Yaowarat's Lunar New Year celebration is normally full of politicians and government leaders, making it one of the most high-profile events of the year.
Tourism and Sports Minister Suvit Yodmani represented the government in receiving a pair of auspicious lions from the Chinese government to honour His Majesty the King's 80th birthday. Made from precious white jade, the 10-tonne lions have been placed at Chalerm Phrakiat Gate, the famous landmark of Bangkok's Chinatown.
The festivities began as early as 3am yesterday, when people queued up to touch sacred parts of the Chalerm Phrakiat Gate for good luck..
The number of visitors peaked at around 5pm when HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn arrived to preside over the official opening of the celebrations.
The princess, wearing a red Chinese-style outfit, greeted the crowd, all of whom were decked out in red, and made a short tour of an exhibition on the King's 80th birthday organised by members of the Thai-Chinese community. The festivities are set to wind up today.
By Bangkokpost 19 Feb 2007
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