New Year’s Eve parties under way around the world following Covid hiatus

Fireworks explode over the Chao Phraya River during New Year celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand (AP)

Party-goers in major city centres across Europe and the Middle East are ushering in 2023 with countdowns and fireworks.

The events come as many cities around the globe celebrate New Year’s Eve without restrictions for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.