Crowds across Thailand make merit, seek New Year’s blessings

Crowds across the country made merit and prayed for blessings while tourists stayed overnight at popular locations to embrace the first light of the new year on Monday.

In Khon Kaen province, about 5,000 people showed up to give alms to Buddhist monks at its city pillar in Muang district. More than 200 monks and novices received alms on the occasion.

“The…