Bangkok streets close during the New Year Festival

BANGKOK: -- Several roads in Bangkok’s Chinatown will be closed during the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations.

Two roads in the heart of Yoawarat or Bangkok’s Chinatown--Yaowarat and Rajawong Roads--will be closed on 8 and 9 February in order to allow Chinese New Year parades to use them, the city’s Traffic police chief, Pol. Maj. Gen. Panu Kerdlarbpol told TNA.

Bangkok motorists have been urged to avoid using the Chinatown’s roads between 7 and 10 February to help prevent them getting heavily congested, he said.

On Monday, 7 February many people will be buying fresh food and preparing it for the following day when they pay respect to their ancestors.

The Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown conclude on the 10 February, he said.

Chinatown businessmen and Yaowarat district officials are jointly holding colourful events on the two roads scheduled to be closed.

Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirinthorn will be at the opening of the Chinatown New Year Festival on the 9 February.

--TNA 2005-02-01

I wonder if they'll let me set off some fireworks after 6pm this year?