As the moon casts its silvery glow over Thailand, the Loi Krathong Festival 2023 heralds the onset of the country’s enchanting winter season. This year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is ushering in an experience that blends the nation’s rich heritage with awe-inspiring festivities, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in this age-old celebration’s vibrant colours and traditions.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Phadung Krung Kasem Canal in Bangkok, the festival unfolds from now through November 28, with peak activities spanning November 25-27. This spectacular event is a feast for the eyes and a testament to Thailand’s commitment to showcasing its unique cultural identity on the global stage.
TATs Loi Krathong Festival 2023 at Bangkok’s Phadung Krung Kasem Canal.
Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Minister of Tourism and Sports, emphasizes the significance of Loi Krathong in the Thai cultural tapestry. “This festival is not just a tradition; it’s a vibrant expression of our nation’s soul. We’re thrilled to kick off the Thailand Winter Festival and the Colourful Bangkok Winter Festival, elevating these celebrations to new heights,” she remarks.
The festival, timed with the full moon of the 12th lunar month, sees people gathering at water bodies nationwide to set adrift krathong, delicately crafted rafts of banana leaves adorned with flowers, incense, and candles. This ritual, a gesture of reverence to the river goddess, is a poignant reminder of the harmonious relationship between the Thai people and their natural environment.
In 2023, the TAT has infused the festival with a ‘Moonlight Reflection’ theme, bringing to life the diverse Loi Krathong traditions across Thailand. Apichai Chatchalermkit, TAT Deputy Governor of Tourism Products and Business, elaborates, “Our ‘Lighting Illumination Show’ each night is a visual symphony that celebrates regional variations of the festival, from Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng Festival to Tak’s Loi Krathong Sai with its thousand floating lanterns.”
The festival is more than a display of lights and colours. It’s an educational journey, offering workshops on making eco-friendly krathongs, Royal Thai Cuisine cooking demonstrations, and captivating traditional music and dance performances. In line with Thailand’s dedication to sustainable tourism, the TAT advocates using biodegradable materials in krathong construction, emphasizing the ‘one krathong per family’ rule to minimize environmental impact.
The economic ripple effect of the Loi Krathong Festival is substantial. It’s projected to stimulate 2.04 million trips and generate 6.1 billion Baht in revenue, with festivities in critical locations like Chiang Mai, Roi Et, and Sukhothai contributing significantly. The Bangkok event alone is expected to attract nearly 300,000 visitors, translating into an economic boost of about 1.2 billion Baht.
As the Loi Krathong Festival 2023 unfolds, it celebrates a storied tradition and marks a vibrant chapter in Thailand’s journey towards becoming a global cultural hub. This dazzling event beckons travellers and locals alike to partake in a journey that’s both a visual delight and a heartwarming embrace of Thai heritage.
Written by: My Thanh Pham
