BMA to hold major Loy Krathong events from Sunday to Tuesday
Get your krathong ready: the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will hold major Loy Krathong events at two locations from this Sunday to next Tuesday with a focus on promoting krathongs made of environmentally friendly organic materials to reduce waste.
Loy Krathong, also called Thailand’s festival of lights, sees people releasing small floats called krathongs into waterbodies to “honour” the goddess of water.
During a press conference on Wednesday, deputy governor Sanon Wangsrangboon said the first event would be held at Ong Ang Canal in Phra Nakhon district on November 6 and 7. The fair will feature a live performance of traditional and modern music, a cultural performance, an open-air movie theatre, and booths selling products by community enterprises.
The second event will be held on the Thonburi side of Rama VIII Bridge in Bang Phlat district on November 8, the official Loy Krathong night this year. This event will feature a cultural performance on stage and a concert by popular singer Vid Hyper. There will also be an ancient-style market selling souvenirs, handicrafts, “Bangkok Brand” products from 50 districts and traditional Thai food.
“The Loy Krathong event at Rama VIII Bridge will commence at 5pm on Tuesday and go on until 10pm. We urge Bangkokians to use only krathongs made from organic materials so they don’t add non-disposable waste to the Chao Phraya River,” said Sanon.
“For those who cannot come to the bridge, the BMA will also let people float their krathongs at ponds in 33 public parks across the city, which will remain open until midnight.”
The deputy governor also urged people to float only one krathong per family instead of one per person to minimise waste.
Earlier this week the Culture Ministry announced it would hold separate Loy Krathong events under the banner of Bangkok River Festival 2022.
This festival will be held at the following 10 piers that have historical significance:
- The pier of Wat Pho, or Wat Phra Chetuphon
- Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn
- Wat Prayun
- Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawihan
- Wat Rakhang Kositaram Woramahawihan
- Maharaj Pier
- Asiatique the Riverfront
- Lhong 1919 pier
- Sooksiam @ Icon Siam pier
- Guan Yu Shrine pier at Khlong San.
The events will be held from 5pm to 10pm on Saturday and Sunday and from 5pm to midnight on Tuesday, November 8, Loy Krathong night.
