Pattaya has begun planning its annual Chinese New Year events, which will spread out across the city Feb. 8 from morning until dark.
City officials met Jan. 12 with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and event organizer Subtanwa Event Maker Co. to work out details on the Jan. 26 formal press conference, event cleanliness, decoration, promotion, security and traffic concerns.
Morning events start with blessing ceremonies at the King Taksin monument in front of city hall, the Prince Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak statue on Pratamnak Hill, and the Siensua god statue at the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation.
Deputy Mayor Verawat Khakhay presides over a preparation meeting for next month’s Chinese New Year celebration.
At 11 a.m., Sawangfah Road will be closed to facilitate to the Chinese lion and dragon dance parade. Following the parade, these Chinese Boy and Girl pageant will be held, offering 80,000 baht in scholarships to for youngsters ages 5-8.
Registration is open through Feb. 5 at the Cultural Tourism Promotion Department at city hall, 038-253-130.
The evening festivities will take place on Walking Street, which will be closed starting at 4pm and all vendors prohibited from trading after that point. The street will host another lion and dragon parade.
