City Hall has announced several measures intended to keep the upcoming Loy Krathong celebration safe from Covid-19.
The festival, the first mass event allowed after the third wave of Covid-19 hit the country in early April, will take place as coronavirus restrictions have been eased in the capital. Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha decided to allow Loy Krathong celebrations to take place, as long as disease control measures are enforced.
On Nov 19, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will host events at two locations -- under the Rama VIII Bridge in Bang Phlat district, and Klong Ong Ang between Samphanthawong and Phra Nakhon districts. Thirty public parks will be open to the public, where visitors can float their krathong, Pol Gen Aswin said.
Events will be secured by the police, with the Marine Department assisting at piers where people will gather to release their krathong, including canals and streams throughout the city.
BMA's medical and disaster mitigation departments will be on standby, with fire boats and rescue vessels ready to respond to emergencies. Some will patrol a 20-km stretch of the Chao Phraya River between the Rama VII and Rama IX bridges where many riverside celebrations will take place.
Emergency checkpoints will be set up, where people can report and get help in cases of emergencies. The checkpoints will be manned by firefighters, the governor said.
Checks will ensure quality life vests and other life-saving gear will be available at piers and boat landings. At least 150 public order officers will be deployed around Klong Ong Ang during the three-day weekend. In total, 1,500 public order officers will be based at Loy Krathong venues citywide.