The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is ready to organize the Loy Krathong festival (Nov 27) with a focus on maximum safety.
Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Sanon Wangsrangboon chaired a press conference for the Loy Krathong festival in Bangkok for the year 2023.
Preparations have been made in various areas of Bangkok to ensure the safety of the Loy Krathong festival. The event will take place in two main locations: under the Rama VIII Bridge in the Bang Phlat district and at Khlong Ong Ang in the Phra Nakhon district. Additionally, 34 public parks will be opened to allow people to float their krathongs under strict safety measures, including controlling the crowd density in each area and establishing clear entry and exit points.
A collaborative effort between various organizations has been implemented to facilitate convenience and ensure the safety of the public. This includes accident and disaster prevention measures, as well as control over the distribution and use of fireworks, firecrackers, and lanterns.
Regarding safety concerns at piers, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department was assigned to conduct preliminary inspections. Available piers and docks will be staffed by officers to ensure safety, control the queue, and manage the number of people floating krathongs at each location.
The event at Rama VIII Bridge will feature a nostalgic market atmosphere, showcasing products from the 50 districts of Bangkok, including traditional crafts and local food from over 70 community stores. There will also be cultural and folk performances.
Bangkok authorities encourage the use of natural materials for krathongs and discourage the use of styrofoam. They advocate for family participation, suggesting one krathong per family made from eco-friendly materials like banana leaves, tapioca starch, bagasse, or bread, to reduce burden on waste sorting after the festival.
For the first time, the public is invited to participate in an online Loy Krathong experience. Large projectors will be used for digital krathong displays on the Khlong Ong Ang canal. This initiative aligns with the new theme of environmentally conscious Loy Krathong celebrations, inviting people to float digital krathongs and enjoy digital displays on the water’s surface.
Participants attending the event in person are not required to bring their own krathongs; instead, they are encouraged to bring their mobile phones to join the online Loy Krathong experience. (TNA)
