In Chiang Mai, people packed the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 as the exhibition's compound remained open until midnight for the occasion.

In Bangkok, thousands of people swarmed to the Dusit Zoo to float their krathongs (decorative floats) in a large pond.

The krathong contest for Their Majesties the King and Queen's plaques also took place at the zoo's compound, which was open until midnight as well.

The contest had two categories: fresh flowers and a "creative", or free-style category.

The zoo hosted many other entertainment activities, including a show by night predators such as owls and binturong, also known as Malay civet cats.

The Royal Thai Army's disaster mitigation centre brought 400 children from flood-hit zones to visit the zoo.

Donation spots were set up inside the compound to accept assistance from visitors.

But many riverside restaurants in Bangkok said their trade was not as brisk as they expected from Loy Krathong Night.

In the face of flooding, many residents along the banks of the Chao Phya River did not revel in the festival. As of yesterday, provinces like Sing Buri, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Nonthaburi and Angthong remained seriously inundated.

Khon Kaen University held grand celebrations for the Loy Krathong Festival with parades, cultural shows and beauty contests.

Khon Kaen University strictly banned alcohol, foam krathongs, lanterns and firecrackers from its campus.