Bangkok celebrates Loy Krathong with eco-friendly digital floating

Bangkok invites both locals and foreigners to help reduce waste in water sources during the Loy Krathong festival tomorrow, November 15, by floating digital Krathongs at four designated locations.

Following traditional practices during Loy Krathong, Thai people usually craft their Krathongs, or banana baskets, and float them along canals and rivers. This ritual is performed as an apology and expression of gratitude to the goddess of rivers, Phra Mae Khongkha, for the use of water throughout the year.

Over time, the traditional event later becomes controversial, as many people have observed that the festival contributes to waste and pollution in rivers and canals. This concern led to the use of materials with less environmental impact, such as vegetables, coconut shells, colourful fish food made from corn, and even ice baskets.

However, many still feel that these Krathongs ultimately contribute to waste in the water. Some have even urged people to refrain from floating Krathongs altogether.

Nevertheless, others wish to preserve the beautiful tradition and encourage people to opt for online Krathong floating on various websites, allowing participants to float their Krathongs digitally from their computers or smartphones.

Projection mapping technology

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) responded to environmental concerns by promoting the traditional festival in an eco-friendly way. Last year, they introduced digital Krathong floating at Ong Ang Canal near Bangkok’s Chinatown.

At this event, attendees can enjoy the festive atmosphere while conserving natural resources. Participants are invited to design their dream Krathongs on paper and then float them on a large screen using projection mapping technology. The screen, set up along Ong Ang Canal, offers a realistic experience of floating Krathongs on the water’s surface.

This event won the Best Eco-Friendly Festival award at last year’s Asia Pinnacle Awards, organised by the non-profit International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA).

This year, the digital Krathong floating is back with more locations across Bangkok, including:

• Loy Krathong at Ong Ang Canal on November 13–15, with a highlight display of 20 Krathongs from leading Thai artists showcased on a 12-storey building using projection mapping.
• Digital Loy Krathong at Skywalk above Pathum Wan Intersection (near MBK) on November 14–15.
• AEON Digital Loy Krathong – Symphony of the River on November 15 at Lan Khon Mueang Town Square near the Giant Swing. A portion of the event’s proceeds will go to Suthat Thepwararam Temple.
• Rangnam Loy Krathong Digital on November 15 at Santiphap Park near BTS Ratchathewi.

In addition to these technology-enhanced celebrations, people can still enjoy and be inspired by traditional Krathong floating at various temples in Bangkok and other provinces.