Mr. Sanon Wangsrangboon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, joined with Mr. Singh Limpanipat, Director of the Office of Culture, Sports, and Tourism; Ms. Waranuch Suaykarkhao, Deputy Director of the Environment Department; Mr. Pallop Phaithoonbuathong, Deputy Director of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department; and Mr. Ekwaranyu Amrapal, spokesperson for Bangkok, to announce the 2024 Bangkok Loy Krathong Festival at the Rattanakosin Room, Bangkok City Hall. This year, over 140 festival locations across Bangkok, supported by both public and private sectors, will celebrate Loy Krathong in traditional, digital, and online formats to preserve the festival's cultural heritage.

                                                         Mr. Sanon Wangsrangboon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok

According to Deputy Governor Sanon, this year’s Loy Krathong Festival is especially significant, as Bangkok has prepared more than 140 sites for the event, the largest concentration in Thailand. Three key aspects will define the festival: 1) Traditional Loy Krathong with natural materials, highlighting the cultural significance of Thailand’s world-renowned festival; 2) Online Loy Krathong; and 3) Digital Loy Krathong. These measures also aim to minimize environmental impact by reducing travel, energy use, and pollution from transportation.

Mr. Sanon emphasized the goal to eliminate foam krathongs (floating baskets) and requested the public avoid bread krathongs due to water pollution concerns in closed water systems, as seen last year at Peace Park, where pond restoration took four months and aquatic life suffered greatly. Bangkok is also encouraging participation in a “virtual krathong collection game” on the Greener Bangkok website (https://greener.bangkok.go.th) from November 15-17, allowing players to accumulate points for limited-edition rewards while raising environmental awareness.

Highlight Festival Events:

        Bangkok Loy Krathong Festival at Phra Nakhon’s Historic Canal (Khlong Khu Mueang Derm), November 15: Cultural performances, traditional and eco-friendly krathong activities, and community products from 50 Bangkok districts will be showcased.

        Four Regions Charm Loy Krathong at Khlong Prem Prachakon, Chatuchak District, November 15: Highlights include boat races, vintage boat markets, and the “Miss Noppamas” contest, organized by Chatuchak District Office.

        Loy Krathong Festival in 34 Bangkok Public Parks, November 15: The Environment Department urges the use of natural materials, with events taking place from 5:00 AM to midnight.

        “Loy Krathong: Thai Tradition, Safety, and Environmental Consciousness,” Wat Arun, November 15: Activities include cultural performances and a six-language version of the Loy Krathong song, with the presence of Thailand's National Artist and other performers.

        “Colors of the River” Loy Krathong Festival, November 13-16 at Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem: Organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, this event includes a Loy Krathong procession on water, cultural performances, and Thai food exhibitions.

        Bangkok River Festival 2024, November 14-16: Celebrating its 10th year with the theme “Admire the River, Hear the Melody,” this festival will take place across ten waterfront piers, including Wat Pho and ICONSIAM.

        THAICONIC Loy Krathong at ICONSIAM, November 15: Under the theme “The Flowing Legacy of Thai Spirit,” the event will feature traditional and eco-friendly elements, with cultural showcases representing Thailand's diverse heritage.

To ensure public safety, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department is mobilizing staff and equipment along the Chao Phraya River. The public is urged to adhere to the “5 Pollution-Free, 2 Safety Principles,” which include avoiding bread krathongs, using eco-friendly materials, and refraining from fireworks or lanterns. Emergency contacts include the Bangkok Emergency Medical Center at 1669 and the Disaster Prevention Radio Center at 199.

Mr. Ekwaranyu highlighted that Bangkok's Loy Krathong Festival won the Asia Pinnacle Award for “Best Eco-Friendly Festival” from IFEA Asia. This year, digital krathongs, including Projection Mapping displays at four locations, will continue to bring a sustainable, interactive experience to festival-goers, emphasizing the event's global cultural appeal.

 

 

 

Source:  pr-bangkok.com