Beijing: From incense offerings and vibrant lion dances in Beijing to prayer rituals at temples in Bangkok and Taipei, hundreds of millions of

From incense offerings and vibrant lion dances in Beijing to prayer rituals at temples in Bangkok and Taipei, hundreds of millions of people across Asia celebrated the Lunar New Year on Wednesday, ushering in the Year of the Snake.

Lunar New Year festivals and prayers are marking the start of the Year of the Snake around Asia and farther afield.

Lunar New Year, or Tết Nguyên Đán (Tết), is Vietnam's most important celebration - a time to honour ancestors, cherish family, and welcome new beginnings.This year, it lasts from 28 to 31 January.

From incense offerings and vibrant lion dances in Beijing to prayer rituals at temples in Bangkok and Taipei, hundreds of millions of people across Asia celebrated the Lunar New Year on Wednesday, ushering in the Year of the Wood Snake.

A jailed gambling tycoon fighting extradition to China received "inhumane treatment" in a Thai prison after saying he was a Chinese spy, his lawyers have told Interpol, saying they fear for his life.

China and Thailand also agreed to set up a coordination centre in Bangkok to investigate and combat the scam complexes that have mushroomed along the Thai border with Myanmar and Cambodia. The initiative is expected to start operations next month. (Reporting by Liz Lee and Beijing newsroom; Editing by Kate Mayberry)

From prayer rituals at temples in Taipei and Bangkok to incense offerings and vibrant lion dances in Beijing, hundreds of millions of people across Asia yesterday celebrated the Lunar New Year, ushering in the Year of the Snake.

Eight consecutive public holidays give Chinese residents an opportunity to share meals, attend traditional performances and set off firecrackers.

Lunar New Year festivals and prayers are marking the start of the Year of the Snake around Asia and farther afield.

China Families Appeal to Free Relatives Held by Scam Gangs in Myanmar (This Jan. 22 story has been corrected to fix the age of Wang Xing from 22 to 31 in paragraph 2) By Larissa Liao, Kevin Krolicki and Poppy McPherson BEIJING/BANGKOK (Reuters ...