Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) today announced the launch of the “2026 Thai Lunar New Year Celebration” to celebrate the Year of the Horse and the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. The event, centered on flagship activities in Bangkok and Hat Yai, will also feature special events in Nakhon Sawan and Suphan Buri provinces, aiming to stimulate national tourism demand and solidify Thailand's position as a popular overseas destination for the Lunar New Year.
The announcement ceremony was held at TAT headquarters in Bangkok. Guests included Yang Xiaolong, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand; Thapane Kiatpapur, Director General of TAT; deputy governors of several provinces; and the deputy director of the Tourist Police Bureau, highlighting the strength of cross-agency and regional cooperation. Director Thapane stated that this celebration is a continuation of over two decades of close cooperation between TAT and Chinese cultural and tourism departments, and will promote high-quality tourism and long-term value through shared cultural heritage.
Bangkok's main event features a variety of highlights: From February 7th to March 1st, Yaowarat Road will be illuminated with festive lights daily from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM under the theme "Riding the Waves, Sharing the Future"; from February 14th to 18th, Siam Paragon will host core events, including performances by top Chinese and Thai art troupes (from Beijing, Chongqing, Henan, and Fujian provinces), lantern making, calligraphy, and other intangible cultural heritage experiences. Chinese artist Zhu Zhengting will share the stage with renowned Thai artists such as Daou Pittaya.
Hat Yai City in Songkhla Province will present the "Wonderful Thai Chinese New Year @ Hat Yai" event from February 17th to 20th on Sanehhanusong Road, featuring Fujian-style performances, lion dances, acrobatics, and a light show, helping Hat Yai solidify its position as a southern tourism hub. In addition, the Chao Phraya-Chao Mae Nam Phong parade in Nakhon Sawan Province from February 10th to 21st and the Lunar New Year celebrations at the Lunar New Year Museum in Suphan Buri Province from February 17th to 18th will enrich the national festive landscape.
These events, supported by various public and private sectors including Siam Paragon and Central Group, aim to increase tourist traffic and length of stay, and balance national tourism revenue. TAT predicts that during the Lunar New Year peak season from February 13th to 22nd, Thailand will receive approximately 1.25 million international tourists (up 10% year-on-year) and 2.3 million domestic tourists (up 3% year-on-year), with total tourism revenue expected to reach 42.23 billion baht (up 13% year-on-year), injecting momentum into Thailand's quality-oriented tourism development. (End)
