Loy Krathong revellers urged not to use krathongs made of bread

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched a campaign urging “Loy Krathong” revellers not to use “krathongs” made of bread or Styrofoam and to use those made of natural materials, like corn husk, banana trunk or leaves, to protect the environment.

Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon said today that the city administration, in cooperation with the private sector, plans to hold Loy Krathong celebrations this Friday at 140 locations across the capital.

There will be traditional celebrations, floating the krathong on a watercourse. There will be virtual Loy Krathong, being held at Pathumwan skywalk this Thursday and Friday from 6pm to 11pm, at Lan Khon Mueang town square, in front of the City Hall, on Friday from 5pm to 11.30pm, at the Ong Ang Canal on Friday from 6.30pm onward and at Santiparb Park in Ratchathewi district on Friday from 6.30pm.

Sanon said the BMA will also hold an online Loy Krathong, via its Greener Bangkok website. Revellers can choose from 34 locations and the type of krathong.

Thai PBS reporters conducted a survey of krathongs yesterday, at Pak Khlong Talad market, Bangkok’s largest flower market, and discovered that the prices are the same as last year.

The price of a krathong made of bread ranges from 10-20 baht, while one made of banana leaves, in the shape of the pigmy hippo ‘Moo Deng’ or the Labubu character, costs 20 baht.

Business was, however, slow, as it was still too early for stock up on krathongs.