Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has given the green light for this year's annual Loy Krathong festival to be held throughout the country to preserve the Thai tradition, but Covid-19 restrictions must be strictly observed, the Public Relations Department reported.
Gen Prayut has instructed all agencies concerned to make sure that "universal preventive measures" against the spread of Covid-19 are in place one week before the festival.
Wherever the health safety measures are not ready for implementation, the festival must be called off by the organiser.
Safety rules must be strictly enforced. Flying of lanterns as well as lighting of fireworks and firecrackers are not allowed. Liquor is prohibited. Land and water traffic safety must be ensured.
All revellers are required to wear masks and observe the social distancing rule.
At all venues for Loy Kratong, arrangements must be made for festival-goers to register with the ThaiChana app. There must also be spots to take temperatures of revellers, with hand sanitising gel provided. All toilets must be cleaned every one or two hours.
This year's Loy Krathong falls on Nov 19, the full moon day of the 12th lunar month. According to tradition, the festival marks the end of the rainy season and allows people to pay tribute to the water spirits by floating small rafts with candles, flowers and incense sticks in rivers.