Tradition, Environment, Safety are Key for Loy Krathong 2018

CHIANG RAI – Thailand’s Culture Ministry is promoting Thai tradition, environmental conservation and public safety for the upcoming (Yi Peng or Yee Peng), Loy Krathong festival.

Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat said his ministry was cooperating with eight other organizations to ensure the key focuses during the Loy Krathong festival.

He mentioned the Defence Ministry, the Transport Ministry, the Interior Ministry, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, the Royal Thai Police Office, the Tourism and Sports Ministry, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

They would present authentic Thai cultures, ensure public safety and protect the environment during the festival, Mr Vira said.

People would be asked to refrain from fireworks and provocative clothing, to warmly welcome foreign tourists and to follow traffic rules, he cited.

Family members would be encouraged to make Krathong baskets together, using natural and biodegradable material, and each family should have only one Krathong basket to reduce the amount of garbage and help protect the environment, Mr Vira said.

Chiang Rai Loy Krathong Festival

Loi Krathong (ลอยกระทง) is a festival that is celebrated in Thailand, Laos and some other places in Southeast Asia that have a Thai or Tai heritage.

The Loy Krathong festival takes place on the evening of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. The dates of Loy Krathong change every year. This is always a source of confusion. Loy Krathong usually falls in the month of November.

In Chiang Rai the festival is also known as Yi Peng or Yee Peng Festival. It last three days. The first day is the lantern festival, the second day is the full moon day and the third day is now the day of the Loy Krathong parade. Loy Krathong is not an official public holiday in Thailand. Most activities take place after dark. In 2018 the dates are November 21, 22 and 23.