THE Year of the Rabbit was welcomed on Phuket with a spectacular tunnel of red lanterns and a celebration that captivated thousands of onlookers last night.

Red shirts were welcome for once at Sanam Chai, the park opposite Provincial Hall in Phuket City, where dignitaries wore gold Mao jackets and Chinese New Year was cheered in with food, speeches, and performances on a giant stage.

Among those keen to greet the new year were Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha, Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation Chief Executive Paiboon Upatising, and Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana.

Thousands of visitors from Singapore, Malaysia, China and Taiwan are expected to continue to paint the town red during next week's extended celebrations.