PM: One krathong per family

Published: 1/11/2009 at 11:25 AM
Online news: Breakingnews

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva called on people to use environmental friendly basket-boats, locally known as krathongs, during the Loy Krathong Festival on Monday.

Speaking in his weekly broadcast on Sunday morning, the premier warned the general public to exercise caution and be careful of accidents during the traditional festival, where people float their basket-boats and hope for they would take away their bad luck.

"I would like each family to use just one krathong to help protect the environment," Mr Abhisit said.

Many provinces like Chiang Mai, Tak, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya are organising grand events to celebrate this nationwide festival.

Meanwhile, a gas tank exploded in the middle of the festival in Tak's Mae Ramat district, resulting in one death and more than 30 injuries.

Police are looking for the cause of this accident.

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Wombat

Discussion 3 : 01/11/2009 at 10:37 PM3
The bottom line is;

the rampant sale of fireworks (sometimes from the back of police vehicles, as I've witnessed) is a commercial proposition. People make huge money from Loy Krothong and Songkran.

Therefore, money being the major driving force behind most activity in this country, I see no stop to the farce that has become Loy Krathong and Songkran.

The unashamed worship of money is ruining what tradition remains in Thailand.

Pity. But not my country, not my tradition and not my people.
Thaifrelst

Discussion 2 : 01/11/2009 at 08:36 PM2
I can certify that the uncontrolled use of fireworks in Thailand is a disgrace to Thailand. In my country it is only accepted to use fireworks new year eve. And the limit for buying and use of rockets and bombs ( only bomb of small sizes are allowed) is 18 year.

In addition to terrorize people by using firework it is very painful for birds and animals. Many pregnant animals miscarriage because of this stupid behavior.

Some development stops in lack of money and can be understood, but there is 3 things in Thailand I permit my selves to complain on;

1. Insane use of firework done by underage children.

2. Rubbish from plastic everywhere.

3. Large number of holes in roads where bike accidents are common every day. ( numbers of injured are many when 3 person without helmet rides one bike)

These 3 problems takes only common sense to resolve.
Wombat

Discussion 1 : 01/11/2009 at 12:09 PM1
Here in Chiang Mai the 'celebrations' have already been going on for three weeks!!
It seems the Krathong are now just a minor part of the whole occasion. We have had fireworks (ie exploding money) through to sunrise, some large enough to rattle the windows. There is absolutely no thought given to those living in homes who may be wanting to sleep; we don't exist. And, of course, no police presence to modify the behaviour of the inconsiderate louts exploding their money.
Just as happened to Songkran here, Loy Krathong has become a protracted, commercialized farce which has little resemblance of what the true celebration should be.
Mr PM, it's not the Krathong that are the problem sir, it's the wretched fireworks.

PM: One krathong per family