BANGKOK, Thailand – Ms.Jiraporn Sindhuprai, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, presided over the opening ceremony of the 2024 Loy Krathong Festival, held at the Public Relations Department Headquarters in Bangkok under the theme “Loy Krathong: Thai Traditions, Safety, and Environmental Care.”
Dignitaries attending included ambassadors from many countries: H.E. Mr. Han Zhiqiang, Ambassador of China to Thailand; H.E. Mr. Khamphan Anlavan, Ambassador of Laos to Thailand; H.E. Mrs. Serap Ersoy, Ambassador of Turkey to Thailand; H.E. Mr. Paolo Dionisi, Ambassador of Italy to Thailand; H.E. Mr. Arman Issetov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Thailand; and H.E. Mrs. Shirley Dennise Barrera, Ambassador of Guatemala to Thailand. Also present were Mrs. Sudruetai Lertkasem, Director-General of the Public Relations Department, along with many other government executives and event participants.
Minister Jiraporn highlighted the significance of the Loy Krathong tradition as an essential cultural event deeply embedded in Thai society, fostering appreciation for water sources and strengthening family and community bonds. She emphasized that Loy Krathong is a long-standing part of Thailand’s cultural heritage, embodying values that reflect respect for nature and unity within the community.
Furthermore, the Thai government, through the Department of Cultural Promotion under the Ministry of Culture, has designated this year’s Loy Krathong celebration under the theme “Loy Krathong Tradition: Honoring Thai Culture, Ensuring Safety, Preserving Nature,” with the goal of elevating the festival to “World Event” status and incorporating it into the Thailand Winter Festival. The Minister encouraged everyone to engage in an eco-friendly celebration by using natural, biodegradable materials for their krathong.
This year’s Loy Krathong event marks the first time that ambassadors from various countries have attended. The festival will run for three days, from 13 to 15 November, between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Event highlights include over 200 booths selling affordable “Blue Flag” products, traditional OTOP products, and a wide variety of consumer goods. There are also activities hosted by the AriAround platform, including demonstrations on snake handling, waste separation, krathong crafting, and nightly musical performances by the Public Relations Department Band. (PRD)
