Thai people of Chinese descent poured into the Yaowarat area to celebrate the Chinese New Year and ask the gods for blessings, according to National News Bureau of Thailand.

Many Thai-Chinese, especially those born in the year of the rooster, the rat, the dragon and the horse, gathered to pray for blessings at the ancient Mangkornkamalawas Temple in Bangkok's China Town, or the Yaowarat area, on the occasion of Chinese New Year. Most ask the deities for love and harmony among Thai people as well as the speedy recovery of the nation’s economy.

Meanwhile, offerings of savory, sweets and fruits were placed in front of people’s home to pay homage to their deceased ancestors.

 Roads around the Yaowarat area have been closed off as the celebrations of Chinese New Year commenced last night. Traffic in the area will remain closed until the 25 January.