The festival of Loy Krathong is being celebrated this evening throughout Thailand. Loy Krathong isn’t a public holiday, but it is celebrated nationwide and is often regarded as Thailand’s most beautiful and romantic festival with floating lanterns on the water and in some areas (particularly the north) fire lanterns released into the sky too.
It’s a Thai tradition to make a wish as you float your krathong and no doubt some will be hoping for a resolution of the political strife which has blighted Thailand for such a lengthy period. Prime Minister Somchai has publicly voiced his concerns that agitators may view the crowds in Bangkok tonight as an opportunity to stoke up unrest and he has responded by reinforcing the police presence in the Thai capital. However, for most ordinary Thai people Loy Krathong is a chance to make a wish for a loved one and many will be reflecting on the life of the king’s older sister, HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, who will be cremated in Bangkok on Saturday with all the pomp and ceremony befitting a much loved member of the Thai royal family.
