PM Prayut Chan-o-cha says Loy Krathong festivals will be allowed

NOTE: This article was edited on November 1.

Thailand’s annual Loy Krathong celebrations have been given the “okay” by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, but under some restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The Thai holiday is on the 12th full moon in the lunar calendar, which falls on November 19 this year. Krathongs made from banana tree trunks and decorated with leaves, flowers, candles and incense sticks are floated on rivers and lakes as offerings to the water goddess.

In Chiang Mai, Loy Krathong coincides with the Yi Peng Festival where sky lanterns are released into the air. This year, sky lanterns and fireworks are prohibited. Alcohol is also not allowed at the events. Those celebrating must also abide by the standard practices of wearing masks and social distancing.

Festival organisers must make sure Covid-19 prevention measures are set at least a week before the events. The Thai Chana app is required to be used at the entrance to all Loy Krathong events in order to assist contact tracing in the event of an outbreak. Organisers must set up stations for checking temperatures and providing hand sanitiser. Restrooms on site must be cleaned every one to two hours.

Traffic management must also be considered to prevent crowding on roads and marinas or waterways leading to Loy Krathong events.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post