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Published on November 25, 2007

This year, krathongs made from natural materials, especially banana leaves and bread, were popular, in contrast to previous years when krathongs made of foam were used.

In Bangkok, the five most popular areas for Loy Krathong were two sites on the bank of

the Chao Phya River, at Rama VIII Bridge and Suan Santichaiprakarn. The other three were the reservoir of Dusit Zoo and Benjasiri and Rama IX public parks. All were occupied by crowds and vendors selling krathongs.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayothin attended the Rama VIII Bridge celebration while the Dusit Zoo site organised a krathong-making competition.

Not far from Bangok, in Chachoengsao, the festival was held on the theme of recalling the old local traditions on a two-kilometre stretch along the Bangpakong River.

In Chon Buri, the celebration was held at a reservoir at Suan Nongnuch on the theme of traditional Thai dress.

In Chiang Mai, where the festival is traditionally called Yeepeng, the celebration is held for several days and includes the popular activities of floating fireballs into the sky together with floating candle krathongs on the Ping River. Two children were reportedly sent to a local hospital for treatment of hand injuries due to careless use of firecrackers.

On Koh Pangan, the so-called Full Moon Party island, Thai and foreign tourists crowded the beaches to attend the festival.

The Nation