Navy rescue boats will operate from rescue centres on the Chao Phraya River in greater Bangkok area to assist people who get into trouble along the river during the Loy Krathong festival on Thursday night.
The Chao Phraya River in front of the Royal Thai Navy headquarters (photo by Wassana Nanuam)
Navy commander-in-chief Adm Kraisorn Chansuwanit said on Wednesday the Riverine Squadron would operate the rescue service from 5pm on Thursday, Loy Krathong day, until 8am on Friday.
It would cover sections of the Chao Phraya River from Rama VIII Bridge to Taksin Bridge in Bangkok, from Bang Na pier to Phra Pradaeng district of Samut Prakan province, and from the Royal Thai Naval Academy to Phra Chulachomklao Naval Dockyard in Samut Prakan.
People could call for help via phone numbers 0 2475 3093, 0 2412 6963 and hotline 1696.
The Riverine Squadron has 31 boats of standby including rapid patrol and inflatable boats for the operation, Adm Kraisorn said.
The navy is also joining with Thai Environmental and Community Development Association, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Marine Department, the private sector and communities in a campaign to collect garbage in the Chao Phraya River from Memorial Bridge to Phra Pin Klao Bridge from Wednesday to Friday.
The activity supports the Clean Up the World campaign of the United Nations and 53 boats were assigned for the task.