Provinces outside Bangkok celebrated the Loy Krathong festival this year according to their local customs. One of the most notable Loy Krathong celebrations in the country is the traditional Yi Peng festival celebrated since the Lanna era in the northern region.
At KoKha district of Lampang, a Yi Peng or Loy Krathong event took place in front of Wat Phra That LampangLuang, where all activities complied with social distancing and COVID-19 prevention measures fully implemented, while keeping the traditional form of the festival.
Recreational activities and entertainment were available here, along with a display of Phra Chao Kaew Morakot Buddha statues, so that members of the public could pay their respects inside the temple, a special opportunity which only happens on Yi Peng day and the traditional New Year day. The temple extended its closing time from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., allowing more people to join the activities.
In Ayutthaya, the province’s main Loy Krathong event was held at Wat Maha That inside Ayutthaya Historical Park. The event, co-hosted by Ayutthaya province and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, was attended by the Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. This retro-themed Loy Krathong event features rare cultural performances, a parade, a Nang Noppamas pageant, and the traditional Chong Pareang ceremony, with COVID-19 measures implemented throughout the event. It’s recommended that visitors pre-book their admission on the QueQ app, and wear Thai clothes.
In Samut Songkhram, the province held a rowing competition as part of the Loy Krathong festival at Chuchaiburi Sri Amphawa’s pier, to promote water tourism and conserve the traditional culture of the Amphawa people linked to rivers and canals. The winner of the contest will receive a 3,000 baht prize.
Public works and country planning officials joined forces with Samut Songkhram Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office to inspect piers and pontoons in the province’s city district, Amphawa district, and Bang Khonthi district, to ensure public safety on Loy Krathong day. (NNT)
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