Emerging Thai spots beckon Chinese

BANGKOK - About 20,000 visitors cheered as the clock struck midnight, ringing in the New Year, in eastern Thailand's Rayong province. Fireworks lit up the sky above the seaside town, where the national tourism authority had organized a massive countdown event to welcome 2018.

Activities included live music, local food and DIY workshops.

It was the first time the Tourism Authority of Thailand had worked to make the local countdown event such a grand gala. The hope was to attract more visitors, including Chinese.