Walking out of my residence this morning at Lat Prao 19, the people from the building across the alley were all outside. Saw some police. 5 meters up a saw the cleaning staff (about 5 ladies) walking around a large rectangle (5 feet by 7 feet) holding about 50-100 lit JOSS sticks dropping the ashes all over this rectangular area so it was covered with a fine powder. I was wondering if someone died there early this AM and this was to make merit for them? I was in a rush to get to a meeting at school so i couldn't stop to see if anyone understood English.

I cannot tell you what the celebration is, however it is a Chinese "Do". I am sure some of the more enlightened members will be able to provide more details.

Further to my last, today is Sartjeen (Spelling) day or ancestors day. So there will be lots of burning of red paper and firecrackers. I hope this helps a little.