A stage view of a traditional chinese opera (known as Ngiew) during the Chinese new year festivities in the Yaowarat area of Bangkok. 

The chinese community constitutes a significant and influential minority in Thailand. Bangkok in particular has a large minority of Chinese and Thai-Chinese. Many Chinese immigrated to Thailand under re-population programs, working as laborers and merchants in the 1950s (particularly after the culture revolution in China), but the community has roots in Thailand going back hundreds of years. 
These days the ethnic Chinese minority controls much of the economic power of the country. Most younger generation Chinese have fully assimilated Thai culture, language and traditions. Chinese language, especially taechew, is still spoken among many elders. 
During the Chinese New Year Bangkok's chinatown comes alive with dragon dancing, traditional Chinese opera and a wide array of traditional delicacies.