Southeast Asia marks new year with ceremonies and parades

In Myanmar, parts of Yangon were closed as the five-day festival, known locally as Thingyan, got under way.

The region's Chief Minister Phyo Min Thein opened festivities with a brief speech that was followed by traditional dancers and musicians.

In Bangkok, where the festival is known as Songkran, city officials including Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra took part in a traditional parade through the old town.

Hundreds of people lined up to see floats carrying Buddha statues and actors in traditional attire.

The new year is also marked at this time in Cambodia and Laos, and traditionally celebrated with mass water fights from the second day of the festivals.
- DPA