As Thailand continues to observe a 30-day mourning period after the death of His Majesty the King, several notable Loy Krathong festival celebrations across the country have been toned down or cancelled out of respect, local media reported.
Traditional activities to mark the 12th lunar month, including Yi Peng and Loy Krathong, will go ahead in Chiang Mai but in a low-key manner as the country continues to grieve. Chiang Mai governor Pawin Chamniprasart told reporters that there will be no firework displays, concerts or beauty contests as is tradition.
The festival in the northern city was originally set for 13th to 15th November but government officials, including the Chiang Mai mayor, the provincial tourism and sports office, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Chiang Mai office and Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association, decided to cancel the event.
Those in the meeting agreed, in principle, that traditional activities, including the floating of krathongs, the krathong contest and decorations of the city and temple gates and buildings will be allowed with provisions in place to respect the mourning period. These include floating lanterns being made from white or grey paper only.
In Sukhothai, governor Piti Kaeo-salapsi and officials agreed to similar arrangements cancelling all official actives but allowing locals to float their own krathong as is customary. Sukhothai is usually one of the most popular Loy Krathong destinations in Thailand.
According to media reports, parts of the festival in Tak province have also been cancelled. The festivities had been planned for 12th-17th November. Instead, locals will now launch 999 krathong bowls in the Ping River in a solemn rite to remember the late King Rama IX and join the nation in mourning his death.
