Phasakorn Channgam
Although organizers are being asked to somewhat mute the celebrations,
officials announced that Loy Krathong will be held on its scheduled date, Nov.
17. An unnamed Tourism of Thailand official initially threw the date into
confusion, announcing last week that the TAT would not participate in the Loy
Krathong celebrations due to the mourning period for Thai Buddhism’s supreme
patriarch.
After initially announcing a mourning period from Oct. 25 to Nov. 8 for Somdet
Phra Nyanasamvara, the Royal Family added another 15 days to period, running
through Nov. 23.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome tells
reporters that Loy Krathong will not be cancelled this year.
Royal Thai Police have “asked” bars and entertainment venues
from organizing festive occasions during this period. However, so far, not much
has changed in the entertainment zones.
“The community in Pattaya is now asking if the Loy Krathong festival goes on,
will it be appropriate? Will the celebration be against the government’s
edicts,” said Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome. “But according to the Ministry of
Culture, it is still appropriate for the festival to continue this year.”
Itthiphol said the city’s 100,000-baht krathong contest at Lan Po Park and the
tradition sales and floating of the tiny flower-and-incense baskets will be
allowed on area beaches.
“This means residents and tourists will still be able to participate in the
annual festival as usual,” he said.
The fate of the many concerts, beauty contests and other normal Loy Krathong
levity is still uncertain, however, the mayor said. City hall is checking with
contractors and discussing what they have planned for the entertainment.
As another show of respect, government employees are being asked wear black or
dark colors during the morning period.
Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, who was born in 1913 as Charoen Gajavatra, died of a
blood infection at age 100 in Bangkok Oct. 24. He was bestowed the title of His
Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme Patriarch of Thai Sangha on April
21, 1989, the 19th Supreme Patriarch of the Ratanakosin Era.
