Loy Krathong 2013

[buksida]

Loy Krathong festivities delayed
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has postponed its annual Loy Krathong celebrations in honour of the late Supreme Patriarch.

TAT deputy governor for domestic marketing Thawatchai Arunyik said festive activities will be suspended because the country is in mourning.

The government has extended the mourning period to Nov 23. The festival falls on Nov 17 this year.

He said the TAT will discuss the Loy Krathong celebrations, which are usually organised in Bangkok and other major tourist destinations, when the mourning period is over.

He noted that the festival _ celebrated annually on the full moon of the 12th lunar month _ is one of the country's top tourist attractions.At night, people float decorated krathong (small, lotus-shaped vessels) on rivers, canals and ponds.

Source: Bangkok Post

[margaretcarnes]

Bizarre. I can understand the need for a period of mourning but Loy Krathong is much more than a tourist attraction!
Surely Thai people will still want to observe the tradition, and perhaps even use the occasion to give thanks for the life of the Supreme Patriarch?
But no - instead they extend the period of mourning. It sounds almost deliberate - stuff the tourists again. Could you imagine the UK cancelling Easter when the Queen dies?

[Chromeman]

Here is what Coconut Bangkok reports about this:

Loy Kratong entertainment canceled out of respect for Supreme Patriarch

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration announced yesterday that it will continue to hold Loy Kratong festival on Nov. 17 at 28 Bangkok public parks despite the mourning period for His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch who passed away on Thursday night.

However, all forms of entertainment will be banned this year in order to pay respect to Thailand’s longest serving senior Buddhist.

Manit Teapichok, Deputy Permanent Secretary for BMA, said that the event will not be cancelled because it would massively hurt tourism, especially with tourists from abroad who were planning to attend the festival.

The main Loy Kratong area will be held under Rama VIII bridge but there will be no shows, parades, or fireworks this year, Matichon reported.

[PeteC]

I'm of the feeling that in most locations things will proceed as normal. The TAT has no influence on Thais who will gather where they like and celebrate as they do each year. If some opt out due to this death, up to them, not some Bangkok bureaucrat spouting edicts. You can see what the bangkok Administration thinks of the TAT announcement. I would anticipate a retraction/change announcement from TAT shortly. I would expect beaches, lakes and rivers in the Kingdom to be filled with Krathongs and fire kites as usual. Pete

[buksida]

Loy Krathong gets go-ahead from govt
State organisations and the private sector may proceed with annual Loy Krathong celebrations which fall on Nov 17 despite the nation being in mourning for the Supreme Patriarch.

Tongthong Chandransu, the Prime Minister's Office secretary-general said the government has not imposed a ban on festive activities following the passing of the Supreme Patriarch on Oct 24.

State and private agencies can organise Loy Krathong celebrations as they see fit, he said.

Earlier, the Tourism Authority of Thailand postponed its annual Loy Krathong celebrations after the government extended the official mourning period to Nov 23.

Source: Bangkok Post

You gotta love those back-tracking muppets they call politicians here ...

[Big Boy]

Well, judging by the posters that are starting to appear around town, LOY KRATHONG 2013 IS DEFINITELY ON.

I received an almighty bollocking from a disgruntled Thai chap for stopping to take this photo. Probably a good job that I didn't understand a word of it - I might have been upset.

DSC00313b.JPG (131.27 KiB) Viewed 1355 times

So, what are you doing to celebrate? We'll probably venture out to watch the parade in Hua Hin early evening, and then nip over to Khao Tao.

Last year we went up to Wat Huay Monkol, but we were up there a couple of days ago and the water was too high to safely launch your Krathong - does anybody know the current situation?

[Dannie Boy]

Well, judging by the posters that are starting to appear around town, LOY KRATHONG 2013 IS DEFINITELY ON.

DSC00313b.JPG

So, what are you doing to celebrate? We'll probably venture out to watch the parade in Hua Hin early evening, and then nip over to Khao Tao.

Last year we went up to Wat Huay Monkol, but we were up there a couple of days ago and the water was too high to safely launch your Krathong - does anybody know the current situation?

Not sure, but based on the current weather forecasts, there is an awful lot of rain predicted for Saturday which could affect the celebrations?

[MrPlum]

So, what are you doing to celebrate?

The ladies have started making their Kratongs and will dress up in traditional Thai costume. We will most likely go to 19 Rai, if it is being held there. Please post if there are any better local venues. We don't really wish to go to Khao Tao.



The Kratongs are elaborate and you can see a lot of skill and effort goes into their construction. We always use natural materials like banana trunk and fresh flowers.

Watching the Kratongs wash directly back at you, when you launch them on the beach, seems to make the effort a little pointless, as well as the young boys fighting to get any money that might get launched, before it touches the water. But these are minor aspects that don't really spoil the ritual.

My g/f informs me that Thais put money or a piece of their hair in the Kratong, which represents giving away any bad things they have done in their life. Apparently some children who take the money (almost as soon as the Kratong hits the water), die because they are picking up the 'badness'. It sounds like a myth and doesn't seem to deter them any.

That aside, it is always a nice evening and we are looking forward to it.

More info here... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loi_Krathong

[Big Boy]

Hmmm... maybe Mrs BB is too tight, but I've never heard of money on the krathong.

I think it's lovely that your family make their own krathongs. My family used to do the same in the UK, and they made some lovely boats. Also, when living in Roi Et my daughter used to make some nice boats with natural materials. However, I don't know why, but it seems 'buy a krathong' is order of the day for us in Hua Hin.

What about the environmentally friendly krathongs (to feed the fish?) I've seen on sale in Makro and Tesco? Do they actually float? They look a bit cumbersom or top heavy to me. I like the idea, but wouldn't want to risk disappointment on the night.

[Big Boy]

Thinking further about the Hua Hin parade, does anybody know the actual date? Will it actually be on the 17th, which is a Sunday? Or will it be today or tomorrow?

[sand_dancer]

BB

My G/F tells me it is Sunday.....

That is not to say she is correct

[Dannie Boy]

BB

My G/F tells me it is Sunday.....

That is not to say she is correct

My wife also says Sunday the 17th

[ste860]

anyone heading to koh tao should take traffic into consideration it will be a nightmare
its only a narrow road and parking will be on the street or the temple before the police box ,
i was down there this morning and they were setting all the stalls up ,the water looked a bit of a reach to let the krathong in the water

[Big Boy]

Thanks guys, that was my assumption, but I started doubting myself.

[PeteC]

Yes, Monday morning will be tough getting my daughter up for school. Lucky she doesn't drink. Business offices everywhere will assuredly experience "Hangover Monday". Pete