NAKHON SAWAN: The 105th annual Pak Nam Pho Chinese New Year Festival was launched on Sunday night with a grand ceremony, but under strict Covid-19 precautions.
Highlights included a lion dance troupe and a light-and-sound presentation featuring the long history of the central province's Chinese New Year celebrations.
The ceremony began at 7.30pm and was chaired by provincial governor Sirirat Chum-upakarn.
The large number of distinguished guests included Pol Col Somsak Chanthaping, president of the provincial administration organisation, MPs Veerakorn Khamprakorb and Sanya Nilsuphan, Pol Maj Gen Rapeepong Sukpaiboon, the provincial police chief, and Maj Gen Adul Chomyen, commander of the 31st Military Circle.
The event was held under strict health measures. All guests had their temperature taken, wore face masks and were required to observe social distancing rules.
This year's Chinese New Year falls on Feb 12. The celebrations in Nakhon Sawan will continue until Feb 16.