On November 11, Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon and other city officials announced the 2024 Loy Krathong Festival plans at Bangkok City Hall. This year, over 140 designated locations will be available for krathong floating throughout the city, a record number aimed at accommodating large crowds while encouraging eco-friendly practices.
The festival will emphasize three main goals: (1) traditional floating of krathongs made from natural materials, (2) online krathong floating, and (3) digital participation. Following last year’s environmental impact from waste generated by traditional krathong materials, the city aims to reduce environmental harm, limit traffic pollution, and minimize travel by increasing festival sites.
The Deputy Governor highlighted Bangkok's goal to eliminate foam-based krathongs entirely this year and urged people to avoid bread krathongs due to past issues with water quality deterioration and fish deaths, as occurred last year at Santiphap Park. To engage the public in environmental awareness, the city will launch an online game via the "Greener Bangkok" platform, allowing users to participate in virtual krathong collecting for rewards from November 15-17.
In addition, city officials have prepared extensive safety measures, especially along the Chao Phraya River, deploying boats and staff to ensure public safety. Officials also requested public cooperation with the "Five Free" principles: (1) no bread krathongs, (2) no non-natural materials like foam, (3) reduced energy use and air pollution, (4) safety from fireworks, and (5) safety at piers and docks. Medical teams will be on standby, with emergency contact numbers provided for immediate assistance: 1669 for medical emergencies and 199 for fire and disaster incidents.