BANGKOK (Reuters) -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.

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, ushering in the Year of the Snake.

US President Donald Trump's incoming secretary of state is among those calling for Thailand not to deport a group Uyghurs to China, where it is feared they would face persecution.

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.

The AP’s vast network of sources and collaborative reporting led to the first report on detained Uyghurs in Thailand who face deportation and persecution

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

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.

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

As a harbinger of US foreign policy directions, President Trump's sudden suspension of US$45 million (4.9 billion baht) for Myanmar's scholarship programme -- a tiny fraction of its overall foreign aid -- signals that Myanmar's resistance coalition against the junta called the State Administration Council can no longer rely on Washington's crucial assistance.

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.