Waterways light up as Loy Krathong festival begins in Bangkok

he highlight of the event is the "Lighting Illumination Show" through decorated floating krathongs, symbolising the tradition across five iconic areas.

Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said that the government aimed to promote Thailand's “soft power” and creative industries globally. There's a specific goal for Thailand to lead in the world festival facet, he said. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, along with the TAT, is pursuing this policy.

Under the Thailand Winter Festival, the "Colours of the Waterway, Loy Krathong Festival" kicked off on November 24 and runs until November 28 at Khlong Padung Krung Kasem, Hua Lamphong area, Bangkok. This marks the inaugural festival of the tourist season, expecting a significant influx of tourists, greatly boosting the local economy. The festival is expected to draw about 300,000 people, generating tourism revenue of about 1.21 billion baht.

Chanyuth Sawetsuwan, director of TAT (Bangkok office), disclosed that the TAT was organising the "Colours of the Waterway, Loy Krathong Festival 2023" to celebrate the traditional Thai Loy Krathong festival in line with the modern "Moonlight Reflection" theme, showcasing the beauty of Thai culture internationally. This festival is being held from November 25-27 at Khlong Padung Krung Kasem, in Bangkok's Hua Lamphong area, while the illuminated krathong displays can be enjoyed from November 24-28.

This year, tourists will experience the blending of the traditional Loy Krathong ceremony with contemporary media and technology to engage younger audiences, promoting awareness of Thai heritage and the environmentally conscious aspects of the festival.

The festival's highlights include stunning lighting displays and patterns on the water, spanning 600 metres along the canal's path, enhancing the festival's beauty and uniqueness. Additionally, the event will present a joyful atmosphere, reflecting the beauty of Thai culture through presentations from five distinctive regions, showcasing the significance of Thai traditions.

Various activities include the grand Loy Krathong ceremony with a procession led by Anna Sua Ngam Iam, Miss Universe Thailand 2022, dressed in traditional Thai attire, and krathong floating activity in Khlong Padung Krung Kasem.

There are illuminated krathong displays representing the cultural significance of 5 iconic regions:

- Yi Peng Tradition, Chiang Mai province

- Flowing Krathong Tradition with 1,000 lanterns, Tak province

- Burning Lantern Krathong Tradition, Sukhothai province

- Banana Leaf Krathong Tradition, Mae Klong district, Samut Songkhram province

- Sammamnamkhuen Seng Krathong Tradition, Roi Et province

The festival along Khlong Padung Krung Kasem will not only showcase the beauty of Thai traditions but also emphasise the environmental aspects. Proper waste management and post-festival waste disposal are highlighted. The festival is celebrated in a closed area to collect the krathongs entirely from the canal, ensuring it remains environmentally friendly. After segregation, recyclable waste will be recycled, and organic waste will be composted to be reused.