Bangkok is inviting locals and tourists alike to help reduce waste in water sources during the annual Loy Krathong festival tomorrow, November 15, by encouraging the floating of digital Krathongs at four designated spots.
Traditionally, during Loy Krathong, Thais craft Krathongs (floats) from banana leaves and float them in rivers and canals.
This practice serves as an apology and a thank you to the river goddess, Phra Mae Khongkha, acknowledging the use of her water throughout the year.
However, as the years have passed, the festival has drawn criticism for contributing to water pollution.
This led to the adoption of more environmentally friendly materials, such as vegetables, coconut shells, biodegradable fish food, and even ice for the Krathongs.
Despite these efforts, concerns remain that these alternative materials still pollute the water. Some advocates have called for an end to floating Krathongs altogether.
Yet, many want to keep this beautiful tradition alive and now promote the option of floating Krathongs online, allowing people to participate virtually from their devices.
Last year, in response to environmental concerns, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration introduced a digital Krathong floating event at the Ong Ang Canal near Chinatown.
This eco-friendly celebration allows attendees to design paper Krathongs and float them digitally on a large screen using projection mapping technology. This screen, placed alongside the Ong Ang Canal, simulates the experience of floating Krathongs on water.
The event earned the Best Eco-Friendly Festival award at the Asia Pinnacle Awards, hosted by the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) last year.
This year, digital Krathong floating returns with additional venues throughout Bangkok, including:
– Loy Krathong at Ong Ang Canal from November 13 to 15, featuring 20 Krathongs designed by prominent Thai artists and displayed on a 12-storey building.
– Digital Loy Krathong at the Skywalk above Pathum Wan Intersection (near MBK) on November 14 and 15.
– AEON Digital Loy Krathong – Symphony of the River on November 15 at Lan Khon Mueang Town Square near the Giant Swing, with some proceeds benefiting Suthat Thepwararam Temple.
– Rangnam Loy Krathong Digital on November 15 at Santiphap Park near BTS Ratchathewi.
In addition to these digital celebrations, traditional Krathong floating can still be enjoyed at various temples in Bangkok and across other provinces.
