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.

Train stations and airports across the country have been jam-packed for weeks as millions returned home to spend the holidays with their loved ones in an annual migration that is expected to be a record.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Hundreds of millions gathered across Asia to celebrate the Lunar New Year on Wednesday, welcoming the Year of the Snake with firecrackers, incense, parades and feasts. The annual migration of