BANGKOK -With the annual Loy Krathong festival just a few days away, relevant agencies have prepared safety measures and areas for revellers to release their floating baskets into the water more conveniently. The Marine Department has issued navigation guidelines for boat operators and will temporarily close eight piers in Bangkok for safety reasons.
The Deputy Minister of Transport, Athirat Rattanaset, has instructed the Marine Department to oversee boat and pier operations ahead of the Loy Krathong festival. On November 11, large vessels, cargo ships and oil tankers will not be allowed to navigate along a section of the Chao Phraya River, between the Rama VII and Rama IX Bridges, from 4 p.m. to midnight. However, the restriction will not be imposed on public boats, such as express boats and ferries. Boat skippers have been urged to navigate their vessels slowly.
After inspecting 204 piers in the city, the department announced that eight piers will be temporarily closed for safety reasons. They include Daeng, Rajini, Santa Cruz, Chow Sue Kong Shrine, Si Phraya, Sathorn, Vorachanyawas Temple and Customs Department piers.
The Government Public Relations Department (PRD) is organizing an annual event to celebrate the Loy Krathong festival and preserve Thai culture. The event is being held at the PRD head office from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the official opening to commence at 4 p.m.
The event features traditional Loy Krathong activities, shops selling Thai food and products, a PRD concert and musical performances by award-winning artists, such as Jack Thanapon, Duangjan Suwannee and Bew Pongpipat. The event also provides a fairground with a Ferris wheel, a wind house and carousels for children.
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