Embracing Thai Connection with Waterways: The Loy Krathong Festival

On a warm full moon night in November, the full moon shines above the water’s surface, reflecting the neon glow of the local fair. Decorative lights on the canal bridges and the warm orange light from lamps along the pier create a ripple effect on the water, reflecting a tranquil and dazzling atmosphere. This is mixed with the sound of children laughing on the inflatable houses, the carousel music from the temple fair, and the deep chants from the nearby temple.

Loy Krathong is a festival of great spiritual significance to the Thai people. It is not only beautiful but also prompts deep reflection on the true meaning of gratitude toward the river and the authentic preservation of culture.

The Joyful Temple Fair Atmosphere

Loy Krathong is an excellent opportunity to experience Thai culture from multiple perspectives. You can taste traditional Cut Ice Cream, sample fried insects sold near the temple, or enjoy fish maw soup while watching an outdoor movie, Likay performance, or the Miss Noppamas beauty contest. Some visitors attend the fair dressed in bright, beautiful Thai costumes, carrying meticulously crafted Krathongs. Certain venues offer Thai costume rentals, allowing everyone to participate in the tradition and take photos with their own Krathongs.

In some temples, you might find a "Lucky Draw" (Soi Dao) booth, where participants can try their luck to win a grand prize like a stand fan or end up with a yellow bucket and a strange bottle of dish soap instead. All of this adds color to the temple fair, bringing laughter and joy to all ages—a feeling akin to floating sorrows away and bathing in smiles under the full moon.

The Krathong and What is Released to the Water

The tradition of floating the Krathong is observed to ask for forgiveness from Phra Mae Khongkha (the Goddess of Water), pay homage to the Buddha’s footprint, and thank the rivers that sustain Thai life and agriculture. Beyond preserving Thai tradition, the Krathong is believed to be a ritual to cast off bad luck and allow it to drift away with the current. Devotees may place a small piece of hair or nail clippings to represent what they are shedding, and a small amount of money to symbolize letting go of material possessions, before floating their sorrows away with a prayer for good fortune.

The candlelight of the Krathongs floating on the water—some extinguished by the wind, others still shining brightly, some tilted but struggling to glow—creates a special moment as we watch our wishes slowly drift away. This image is often juxtaposed with the sight of someone in the shadows swimming far away to collect the money in the Krathongs, a dangerous yet undeniable part of the Loy Krathong memory.

Choosing Your Krathong with Conscience

Every year, debates arise about Loy Krathong and the issue of waste, questioning what the true way to thank the River Goddess is. We guide you through the pros and cons of each Krathong type:

• Banana Leaf Krathong: The original Krathong, valued for its beauty and the delicate art of folding banana leaves. However, ensure the material used to secure the leaves—such as nails, pins, or staples—is biodegradable, as non-degradable materials pose a danger to waterways.
• Foam Krathong: Beautiful, floats well, and easy to clean up. But if foam escapes collection and reaches the sea, it takes 500 – 1,000 years to decompose. It should only be used in closed water systems with reliable waste collection.
• Bread Krathong: Though once a popular eco-friendly idea, it often proves more detrimental than beneficial. Uneaten bread decomposes quickly, causing the water to become polluted, reducing oxygen levels, and threatening fish life, making cleanup difficult.
• Candle Krathong: Candles float beautifully. Unburnt wax, once collected, can be melted down and recycled into new candles. This is an appealing, affordable option, and some venues restrict floating to candle Krathongs for easier cleanup.
• Ice Krathong: A new, lovely, and photogenic idea that is a fun family activity. Simply freezing water, preferred flowers, and the candle/incense stick creates a Krathong that melts quickly, leaving only flower petals to drift away. Due to its rapid melting, it is not suitable for long-distance travel.
• Online Krathong: Many now abstain from physical floating, emphasizing that gratitude lies in the heart. Online Krathongs are an alternative that places no burden on the river, offering a modern way to share smiles and wishes digitally.

Safety Tips for Enjoying the Festival

1. Preventing Getting Lost in Crowds:
• Establish a clear emergency meeting point beforehand.
• Use wristbands with contact information for children.
• Enforce the "Never Let Go" rule in crowded areas.
2. Beware of Fire and Water Hazards:
• Closely supervise candles and incense to prevent accidents like "incense burning the shoulder."
• Maintain a distance from the water’s edge and warn against swimming/collecting coins due to high risks of drowning and injury from sharp debris.
3. Guarding Personal Property:
• Use a hidden fanny pack or front-carrying bag to deter pickpockets.
• Wear cheap, easy-to-remove sandals, as shoe theft is a common occurrence in crowded temple fairs.

Loy Krathong is a thought-provoking festival—a night of beliefs, prayers, and cultural beauty. But under the moonlight, there is also the reality of waste issues, the danger of collecting coins from Krathongs, and a core debate among Thais: What truly constitutes thanking the River Goddess?

Under the silent watch of the full moon and Phra Mae Khongkha, through culture, prosperity, human connection, and the prayers held within the Krathongs, it is up to humanity alone to decide how nature, culture, and progress can coexist without destroying one another.