Thais in China prepare for subdued New YearThais in Beijing are expecting muted Chinese New Year celebrations this year with the return of Covid-19 to their homeland weighing heavily on their minds. Supanitch: Wary of big gatheringsSiwattra Sinphasutadol, a 43-year-old China Media Group official, told the Bangkok Post that the number of Thais in Beijing and nearby cities had fallen dramatically recently -- down to just 100 or even fewer, she estimated. "Many of them didn't have the chance move their belongings from where they were staying," she said, adding that even the Royal Thai Embassy's celebration on Dec 5, which is usually a prominent event for Thais, was also scaled down last year and far fewer Thais attended. Tourist spots including public parks are selling tickets online and the number of visitors to each venue has been limited. Supanitch Kunying, a 37-year-old cook who has lived in China for seven years, said normally Thais would gather with close friends and groups of up to few dozen would cook and enjoy meals together.

Source: Bangkok Post February 07, 2021 23:26 UTC