The Loy Krathong Festival 2021, set to be held today, must adapt to the “new normal” and follow some restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19, including negative test results and vaccination proof requirements to visit venues approved by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
Bangkok Deputy Governor Kriangyod Sudlapa revealed the locations for this year’s Loy Krathong’s official festivities, explaining that all must comply with Covid-free Setting and Universal Prevention measures.
Under the Rama 8 Bridge, the first prime location, an event will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. With an olden-day-market atmosphere, it will be home to many local products from Bangkok’s 50 districts for sale and traditional Thai performances.
From November 19 to 21, in the Ong Ang channel, there will be another festival, which will be extended to nearby places such as Damrong Sathit Bridge, Phanuphan Bridge, Bophitphimuk Bridge, Han Bridge, Osathanond Bridge, and Chao Phraya Sky Park. In addition to traditional Thai performances, the event will feature a mini-concert by Thai rapper “Wonderframe” and other street performances from 5:00 p.m. onwards.
The capital will have 30 public parks open for the festival from 05:00 a.m. to midnight beside the two prime locations announced earlier.
Authorities have insisted that all venues must follow some strict Covid-19 rules, including mandatory social distancing and mask-wearing. Attendees should also undergo temperature checks and wash their hands frequently.
The visitors’ number will be limited at each location, allowing only one person per four square meters to avoid overcrowding and reduce the Covid-19 risk. Available food stalls and shops may open but cannot set up dining areas.
Under the rules imposed for the festival, selling and using fireworks or sky lanterns have been banned. Therefore, any venue planning to use them must obtain prior permission from the district office.
The BMA has also urged locals and tourists to use only one Krathong (floating baskets) per family to reduce waste and choose alternatives made from natural materials such as banana leaves or trunks and bread instead of polystyrene foam.
