Phuket police issue prohibitions for upcoming Loy Krathong Festival

Phuket’s Provincial Police force issued a stern reminder of the prohibitions in place for the upcoming Loy Krathong Festival celebrations. These regulations, originally announced by Region 8 Police on Monday, November 20, were communicated by Region 8 Police Commander Lieutenant General Surapong Thanomjit.

Situated at the top end of Phuket, Region 8 Police headquarters oversees law enforcement activities across seven provinces in the upper southern region of Thailand. These include Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Ranong, Surat Thani, Chumphon, and Nakhon Sri Thammarat.

The notification outlined various unlawful activities that would not be tolerated during the Loy Krathong Festival. It stipulated that entertainment venues should adhere to their legally stipulated closing times, individuals should not carry weapons, and those under 20 years old are banned from entering such establishments. Additionally, the use of firecrackers and fireworks was discouraged.

The police’s commitment to a liquor-free Loy Krathong campaign was highlighted in the warning. It specified that drug use of any kind, along with prostitution and human trafficking, are strictly forbidden. The announcement also cautioned against releasing sky lanterns in the flight path area and indulging in road racing.

On Monday, November 20, the Region 8 Police kicked off a seven-day anti-crime initiative for Loy Krathong, which will extend till the following Sunday, November 26. The actual festival, however, will be celebrated across Thailand, including Phuket, on Monday, November 27, reported The Phuket News.

Annually, millions participate in the Loy Krathong festival, offering their Krathong – a hand-crafted float made from a slice of banana tree stalk adorned with flowers – to water bodies as a ritual of making merit and cleansing themselves of past sins. In recent years, the festival, also known as the Festival of Lights, has gained fame for its sky lanterns, known as Khom Loy.

The festival typically includes live music, cultural performances, and the revered Nong Noppamas beauty contests, with events taking place in every community in the country. Phuket is no exception, with the main festive activities in Patong taking place near the end of Bangla Road on Patong Beach.

Despite the festival traditionally featuring extensive fireworks displays organised by local municipalities, officials have clearly stated that individuals setting off their fireworks will not be tolerated. Both Rawai and Patong municipalities have already issued warnings about the ban on setting off firecrackers and fireworks.

The official festivities in Phuket Town, scheduled to take place at Suan Luang (King Rama IX Park), will begin around 6pm. Phuket Town Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas is encouraging all participants to embrace the One Family, One Krathong policy – a recent environmentally friendly trend.