Loy Krathong 2013 festivities cancelled ?
After TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) said festive activities will be suspended because Thailand is in mourning after the Supreme Patriarch’s death (see article), there is some incertity about what will actually happen on November 17.
The Bangkok Post’s headline “Loy Krathong Festivities Delayed” was quite a shock. Actually Loy Krathong will happen in Thailand. And it won’t be postponed. Loy Krathong will be celebrated on November 17 as planned. People will float krathongs on the rivers of the country like every year. What is more incertain is if all other activities planned will take place: concerts, fireworks, beauty pageants… Most of them will probably be cancelled or postponed since the nourning period ends on November 23.
We will keep you informed by updating this article…
UPDATE on 30 OCTOBER 2013: The government has not imposed a ban on festive activities following the passing of the Supreme Patriarch. They say that “state and private agencies can organise Loy Krathong celebrations as they see fit”. The BMA have said that they will allow people to float krathongs in 28 parks around Bangkok. Only fireworks won’t be allowed. The Yee Peng Lantern Release at Mae Jo and other Loy Krathong events in Chiang Mai will go ahead as planned.
UPDATE on 31 OCTOBER 2013: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will not call off this year’s three-day celebration of Loy Krathong festival at Asiatique The Riverfront in the capital Bangkok, though the event will be celebrated quietly to show respect to the late Supreme Patriarch.
Ayutthaya has already called off this year’s Loy Krathong event.
