Deep South gets Chinese New Year holiday
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Residents of provinces in the deep south will enjoy a special holiday this month to allow them to celebrate the Chinese New Year, a government spokesman said Tuesday.
The Cabinet made the decision during their weekly meeting to give the extra holiday on January 23, which is the Chinese New Year, to those residing in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Satun.
The holiday was proposed to the Cabinet by Deputy PM and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidith, Anusorn Iamsa-ad told reporters.
“People in these areas have holidays for Buddhists and Islamic festivals. The cabinet therefore considered that it would be fair for the Thai Chinese there to have the holiday for the Chinese New Year. It also shows respect for the local identity,” the spokesman said.
It is an historic decision: the issue has previously been considered by many governments but no holiday has ever been granted.
