Footage shows locals taking part in a lantern festival to celebrate Chinese New Year in Samut Prakan, Thailand.

The brightly coloured red-and-gold lanterns were displayed at a temple on the outskirts of Bangkok on Monday January 31.

The display also included large paper lantern figures of characters from the Far East illuminated with electric lights.

Thailand’s capital city – which was founded by settlers from the Far East – has a large population of those descended from mainland China.

Each year shops sell red and gold lanterns, firecrackers, clothes, decorations and other items to mark the annual event, which will see street celebrations have also been planned for the city.

Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 1, the date that marks the beginning of the new moon. Festivities will end on February 11.