The celebrations  at China Town kicks off  with great pomp and fanfare when  Princess Sirindhorn  officially opened the proceedings for the 2014 Chinese New Year celebrations.

The princess arrived at 16.39 pm today at Yaowarat and proceeded to the Chalerm Phrakiat Arch Gate celebrating the 6th Anniversary of His Royal Highness’s The King’s Buddhist Birthday, to officially begin the 2014 Year of the Horse Chinese New Year Celebrations.

 The official ceremonies were organized by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in  cooperation  with the Yaowarat residence under the theme ‘The Year of the Auspicious Horse bringing Fortune and Prosperity for Yaowarat’.

A magnificent horse monument was the symbol for this year’s celebrations and symbolizes the strength and speed of the horse. The celebration was a wonderful continuation of beautiful centuries old Chinese traditions and also serves to bind Thai –Chinese relations in the country. It also helps to promote tourism in these troubled times in the country by attracting tourist to experience Chinese New Year celebrations for themselves.

 The deputy Chief of the Cultural Ministry from China was present to receive Her Royal Highness and presented her  with gifts and a message of goodwill.

A troupe of performers from Yunan province was present to perform a Peacock Dance for the princess  and to reciprocate, a Thai ensemble from the Cultural Ministry performed a Kinari Dance.

She  officially opened the proceedings by winding and electrical device on the horse symbol and Yaowarat residence were extremely proud to have her royal highness  as the chairwoman to officiate celebrations. Her Royal Highness has presided over every Chinese New Year celebrations in Yaowarat for 14 consecutive years.

The Yawarat  Chinese New Year celebrations are the grandest of its kind in the country and ASEAN countries. Its celebrations have been acknowledged as the most famous and magnificent for more than 20 years and highlight the wonderful traditions of the Chinese community which will be passed on to following generations.

At present, Yaowarat road et is full of Thais of Chinese ancestry as well as tourists, both local and foreign who have come to experience the celebrations for themselves. Many will take this opportunity to pray and make offering to deities to improve their fortunes and will also be amazed at the splendor of local Chinese traditions. They will get a chance to view the magnificent Chalerm Phrakiat Arch. All of them will be treated to the wonderful variety of Chinese cuisine and handicrafts available throughout the street. There were also handicrafts from the Somdej Phra Panwasa Ayika Foundation on display and the splendid Year of the Horse, Katyayana-the smiling, cheerful deity; and other Chinese deity postage stamps available for purchase. Participants are also given the chance to win gold in a lucky draw. A podium for paying respects and well wishes to HM the King and Queen was also made available for the general public.

A stage was also constructed and many Thai and Chinese celebrities were on hand to perform and entertain. The whole street is decorated with traditional Chinese lanterns throughout all 4 zones of exhibits. The most popular exhibit zones are the 1. ‘Rong Tiam’ or Chinese tavern 2. Traditional Chinese Pharmacy 3. Ancient Chinese Homes and  4. Chinese Opera House. There were also booths showcasing traditional Chinese opera make-up and dances as well as performances of historical Chinese mythology. The 2014 Chinese New Year celebrations will last until midnight on the 1st of February.