November 3, 2025 | 09:11 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government of Thailand has confirmed that the 2025 Loi Krathong, or Loy Krathong, Festival will take place from Wednesday, November 5, to Thursday, November 6. However, strict safety rules will be implemented along with an adjusted atmosphere to respect the national mourning period for the passing of Queen Sirikit.
As reported by Bangkok Post, the Director General of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA), Nirun Phongsitthithawon, stated that the Ministry of Interior did not order the cancellation of the event but instructed local governments to adjust the format of the celebration to be in line with the national mourning situation and to ensure public safety.
Provincial governors, district chiefs, and the Permanent Secretary of Bangkok are tasked with enforcing regulations related to the use of fireworks, firecrackers, sky lanterns, and other hazardous items. Violators will face a maximum penalty of three years in prison, a fine of up to 60,000 baht (around Rp30.7 million), or both. Local authorities are also instructed to take strict action against producers and sellers of fireworks without a permit.
Additionally, strict regulations are imposed on the overloading of boats, and permits for firearm ownership may be revoked if owners are found to have fired weapons without a valid reason.
On the other hand, Thailand's Maritime Department, under the leadership of Kritphet Chaichuea, has increased safety surveillance in waterways. The Office of Marine Safety and Environment has held meetings with various agencies and businesses along the river to ensure comprehensive security measures are implemented.
During the festival, the Chao Phraya River will be designated as a controlled navigation zone, where all vessels are urged to sail with utmost caution. On the peak night of November 5, the government will deploy 809 officers and 72 patrol boats to ensure security in the main river areas of Bangkok.
Significance of Loi Krathong Festival
The Loi Krathong Festival, known as the "Festival of Lights," is a centuries-old cultural tradition in Thailand. This celebration is based on a lunar calendar ritual in which people float "krathongs," small, lotus-shaped lanterns decorated with candles and flowers, on rivers and other bodies of water.
This tradition symbolizes gratitude and reverence to the water goddess, as well as a moment for reflection, thankfulness, and prayers for future fortunes.
Held annually, coinciding with the full moon of the twelfth month of the Thai lunar calendar, it is one of the most lively festivals in Thailand. As reported by Travel and Tour World, aside from the ritual of releasing krathongs into the river and lakes, there are several other activities. Such as releasing sky lanterns in some areas of Thailand, boat races in Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya, and costume and traditional Thai cultural parades.
This festival is celebrated throughout Thailand, but it is uniquely and spectacularly celebrated in some areas such as Chiang Mai, the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Sukhothai, the birthplace of Loy Krathong, and Ayutthaya.
Annisa Nur Alimah contributed to the writing of this article
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