Welcoming the Year of the Horse

Held on the theme “Welcoming the Energetic Horse galloping through the Land of the Dragon” the festive bash was attended by the cream of Thailand’s business society including Dhanin Chearavanont of Charoen Pokhaphand Group, Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi of Thai Beverage, Kraisorn Chansiri of Thai Union Frozen Products, Pinit Jarusombat, chairman of the Thai-Chinese Cultural & Relationship Council, top executives from the Bank of China and members of all the Chinese associations in Thailand. Celebrities also turned out along with politicians, civil servants and members of the military. Spotted in the 2,000-strong crowd were Khunying Wanna Sirivadhanabhakdi, Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, Khunying Natthika Angubolkul, Dr. Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich, Aranya Maleenont, Vikrom Kromadit, Ongart Klampaiboon, Chaturon Chaisang, Chavarat Chanweerakul, Punjaporn Chotejurangkool, Aimon Srivaddhanaprabha and Nikom Wairatpanij. 

In his welcome speech, Fukui noted that despite the current political situation in Thailand, the relationship between the two countries remained as solid as ever. 

“China hopes to see Thailand’s current situation come to a peaceful end soon,” he said, before wishing everyone happiness, health, good luck and prosperity throughout the Year of Horse.

He concluded his address with the hope that the Thai-Chinese relationship would “continue to move forwards with the same force as the Yangtze and Chao Phraya rivers”.

The party got underway with a drum performance, flower dance and an extravagant Golden Dragon dance, 57 metres in length, symbolising the powerful start to the year. That was followed by the 9 lions dance show starting with the Black Lion who, according to legend, chases away bad luck. Finally 1,999 red balloons covered printed with the words “Happy Chinese New Year” were released into the sky.