Many Russians release floating krathong
lamps (khomloys) at Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens.
Patcharapol Panrak
The popularity of Thailand’s Loy Krathong has
apparently spread to Eastern Europe, as more than 1,000 Russians packed
five charter flights to Pattaya to celebrate the festival.
Borisut Prasopzup of the Tourism Authority of
Thailand’s eastern region office welcomed the Pegas Tour group Nov. 9.
The itinerary called for the group to visit Pattaya, Rayong and Trat,
with the highlight being a Loy Krathong celebration at Nong Nooch
Tropical Gardens.
The traditional show, which mixed ancient tradition
with modern flourishes, delighted the Russians, who released floating
krathong lamps and enjoyed an elephant show.
Borisut called the charter an important event for
Thai tourism, which is being battered by publicity over floods affecting
Bangkok and Ayutthaya. He pointed out that Pattaya, Koh Larn, Koh Samet,
Rayong, Koh Chang and Trat have not been affected by flood waters, but
have seen tourist arrivals dip as international media falsely portrays
the entire country as being inundated.
He added that Russians comprise an ever-larger
portion of tourists in Pattaya. TAT figures show that more than 500,000
Russians have entered Thailand this year, generating 4.2 billion baht in
revenue. Within two years, TAT expects Russia to be Thailand’s largest
European market.
