BANGKOK: (Bernama) The Loy Krathong Festival held in Bangkok this year demonstrated a remarkable dedication to eco-friendliness, as more than 98 per cent of the 514,590 krathong (floating baskets) collected were made from natural or biodegradable substances.
This significant achievement highlighted the increasing awareness among both the public and vendors about the importance of preserving the environment during this cherished cultural celebration.
In a statement, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) spokesman Ekwaranyu Amrapan reported the successful collection of krathong from various waterways and festival area across the city.
"The natural material usage for krathong increased from 96.74 per cent in 2023 to 98.39 per cent in 2024, while foam krathong decreased significantly from 3.26 per cent to 1.61 per cent,” he said on Saturday (Nov 16).
He attributed the shift to heightened awareness among residents and vendors about the importance of protecting the environment, noting that this change reduces waste management challenges and contributes to combating global warming.
Ekwaranyu said the krathong were collected from the Chao Phraya River, canals, retention ponds, and public parks, with the BMA’s Drainage and Sewerage Department and district offices managing the cleanup.
"Biodegradable krathong are being processed into organic fertiliser, while foam krathong are sent to landfills for proper disposal,” he said.
Ekwaranyu also emphasised that this year’s results underscore Bangkok’s growing commitment to sustainability, transforming the Loy Krathong Festival into a celebration of both tradition and environmental stewardship.
Loy Krathong Festival is celebrated during the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar.
Known as the "Festival of Lights”, the Thais participating in the festival will float a krathong decorated with flowers and banana leaves with candles and incense sticks placed in the middle to pay their respects to the goddess of water.
The Thais believed floating the decorated krathong on lakes, rivers, canals and sea would rid oneself of bad luck and negative feelings. - Bernama
