Another Year Floats By

PHUKET TOWN: The island was aglow last evening as residents and visitors observed Loy Krathong at city parks, the seaside, resort hotels, and just about anywhere else you could find a body of water. In Phuket Town, crowds lined the reflecting pool at Saphan Hin and sent their decorative offerings on their way. Krathong vendors reported doing a brisk business, with inexpensive floats moving faster than the more elaborate arrangements. Siriporn Kamnong was selling her handmade krathongs for ten baht. “People want to save money and still send their krathongs,” she said. “I made smaller ones this year.” The vendor said she and her sister spent about an hour to create each six-inch diameter float. As celebrants set their krathongs adrift, groups of young boys took to the water to pluck out the three one-baht coins placed on the floats for good luck.