Thailand’s Loy Krathong festival, taking place on Wednesday, is forecast to generate about 6.54 billion baht in tourism revenue, with around 1.91 million Thai tourists expected to join celebrations nationwide, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
This year’s festivities will take on a more subdued tone as entertainment activities are suspended to encourage people to observe the festival with reverence and remembrance of the late Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the agency will host its flagship “Maha Loy Krathong” celebrations in two main provinces, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, while additional events will be held in five other locations: Bangkok, Samut Songkhram, Chiang Mai, Tak and Roi Et.
Together, these seven provinces are expected to draw more than 430,000 visitors and generate at least 2 billion baht in tourism income.
All celebrations have been adjusted in accordance with the national mourning period, replacing fireworks with more elegant and meaningful cultural activities.
Ms. Thapanee added that the government’s Khon La Khrueng Plus co-payment scheme has continued to stimulate tourism spending in both major cities and emerging destinations.
Although high living costs and household debts remain challenges, she said the calm, respectful atmosphere and cultural charm of Loy Krathong would still encourage domestic travel.
“TAT warmly invites the public to celebrate Loy Krathong with joy and mindfulness, and to help preserve the elegance of Thai traditions for generations to come,” the governor said.
In Chiang Mai, hotel operators are preparing for full occupancy during the Yi Peng festival, a floating lantern celebration that coincides with Loy Krathong on November 5–6, according to Paisarn Sukjarean, president of the upper northern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association.
He said room rates have increased 10–15% due to strong demand from foreign tourists, particularly from Europe, who booked months in advance.
Despite the subdued tone this year, foreign visitors remain enthusiastic about joining Thailand’s unique lantern events, while locals tend to prefer accommodation in nearby mountain areas.
Mr. Paisarn said Chiang Mai’s high season looks promising despite broader economic sluggishness, with hotels already reporting about 60% confirmed bookings between November 2025 and January 2026.
The city is also expecting new arrivals from Middle Eastern markets following Etihad Airways’ launch of direct flights from Abu Dhabi.
