This Lunar New Year, many high-profile politicians in Thailand are posting on social media to wish their followers a good and prosperous year of the Dragon. Thai PBS World compiles their messages for our readers.
PM, Srettha Thavisin’s post features an English phrase “Happy Chinese New Year” and Chinese couplets that read, 新年快乐、 万事如意 meaning “Happy New Year. May all your wishes come true.”
The Government House posted an official video of PM Srettha wishing everyone a Happy Chinese New Year. In the video, he emphasises the Thai-Chinese visa-free policy and mentions that “Thailand always welcomes our Chinese friends and we are ready to ensure your safety… because Thais and Chinese are like siblings.”
Chadchart Sittipunt, the Bangkok governor, live-streamed on his Facebook fan page before his morning run. He tried to say in Chinese; “Happy New Year, wishing you good health. May all your wishes come true,” but needed a little help from his friend.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of Pheu Thai party, posted a video wishing Thai and Chinese people good health, wealth and happiness throughout the Year of the Dragon. During this festival, she hopes everyone will be with loved ones joyfully, as Chinese New Year is a family day.
Pita Limjaroenrat, Chief Advisor to the Move Forward Party Leader, changed his X (formerly Twitter) banner to include a message in Chinese and Thai on a red dragon background.
Chaturon Chaisang posted a picture of himself in a red Changshan shirt. The caption reads, “Wishing you happiness this Chinese New Year. May all your wishes come true. Travel safely and may your year be happy and bright.”
The Move Forward party’s post features a video of party members wishing supporters a Happy New Year. The caption reads, “Happy New Year. Whether it is this Chinese New Year or any month, you can give Move Forward party ‘hong bao’ (red envelopes) via credit card monthly autopay”, followed by the link to their donation page.
In Thailand, the term ‘Chinese New Year’ and ‘Lunar New Year’ are used interchangeably. In the Thai language, the holiday is called (phonetically) ‘Trut-jean’, where ‘trut’ means ‘new year’ and ‘jean’ means Chinese.
