A unique Loi Krathong in Bangkok

Loi Krathong is one of the most romantic celebrations in Thailand. In this celebration, the people show their respect and honour to nature. Usually, it takes place on a lake or a river. People thank the river for donating water the whole year and simultaneously apologize that they have polluted it.

A Krathong is a small raft made of banana leaves. It contains a candle, joss sticks, flowers and coins. Before the Krathong is launched into the water, one lights a candle and the joss sticks. During the raft slides into the water the people make a wish.

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This has to be understood also as thank-offering, while one hopes that the Krathongs carry away worries and bad luck. In Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai, the people let countless lanterns rise up into the night sky at the Loi Krathong.

Every year, the Loi Krathong Festival takes place on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, usually in November. In 2015, it was the 15th of November.

However, the TBEX Asia took place already in October. Thanks to the Tourism Authority of Thailand the participants could experience the uniqueness of this festival already in October. As part of the opening ceremony in Retro Live Cafe on the grounds of venue, the Queen Sirikit National Conference Center, traditional Thai dances were performed. In colorful robes, some with elaborate jewelry, stories were told in dance.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Mrs. Supawan Teerarat, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau, welcomed the participants to the first TBEX in Asia.

After another dance, Mr. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, Governor of Bangkok and Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports in Thailand, gave the opening speeches. They put a special emphasize on the significance of the tourism for Thailand.

The opening ended with a symbolic Loi Krathong. Mr. Sukhumbhand Paribatra and Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul launched a particulary magnificent Krathong into the Lake Ratchada in Benjakiti Park.

Afterwards each participant could set a small but beautifully handcrafted Krathong with his wishes in the lake.