Most people reject a suggestion that Thais avoid floating krathong -- containers made of leaves but often including non-biodegradable materials -- during the traditional festival, and collect trash from rivers and canals instead, says a survey conducted by Bangkok University, or Bangkok Poll, this week.
The poll was conducted among 1,213 people across the country.
A total of 63.9% of respondents rejected the suggestion, while 36.1% supported it.
Of those opposed, 51.3% said Loy Krathong is a Thai tradition which should be preserved, 7.1% said it has long been regarded as part of Thai identity and 3.3% thought it wasn't a big deal because Loy Krathong takes place only once a year.
Among those who voiced support for the idea, 20.3% said people should forego the festival to avoid adding more trash into rivers and canals, 13.6% said doing so would be a show of gratitude to rivers and canals, and 2% said Loy Krathong now can be celebrated by using online apps.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) yesterday promised a safe Loy Krathong for those who plan to celebrate the festival at piers in the capital tonight.
Pol Maj Gen Jirasan Kaewsang-ek, the MPB's deputy chief, said officers will be deployed to implement traffic and public safety measures for Thais and tourists visiting Asiatique, Iconsiam, shopping complexes on the bank of Chao Phraya River, Santichaiprakarn Park and Rama VIII Bridge.
Pol Maj Gen Jirasan also said he ordered police at all stations responsible for piers and their nearby areas to arrange parking spaces for visitors to prevent gridlock on the roads while volunteers will assist at pedestrian crossings in many areas to serve the festival revellers.