BANGKOK – As the Loy Krathong festival approaches, Thai authorities are calling for a shift towards environmentally responsible celebrations, issuing a specific warning against the use of bread-based krathongs. The Pollution Control Department (PCD) highlighted that while biodegradable, an accumulation of bread floats acts as food waste, decomposing and spoiling the water quality in enclosed ponds and lakes.

Loy Krathong Festival 2023 Held Across the Country

PCD Director-General Surin Vorakitthamrong explained that the high organic content in bread can lead to significant water pollution. The department is actively promoting a “green floating” standard, encouraging revelers to limit each family to a single krathong, construct it from natural and easily degradable materials like banana leaves, or participate in zero-waste online floating ceremonies.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce the substantial festival-generated waste, which still includes non-degradable foam and plastic decorations. The public is also urged to use only officially designated floating areas to facilitate efficient cleanup operations.

Since the loy krathong (ลอยกระทง) festival is on November 5th this year! Throw back to last year where Kengnamping went and float their krathong's which couples spend time at and normally do on the day of the festival!

⋆.𐙚 ̊ #KengNamping #เก่งน้ำปิง
⋆. 𐙚˚࿔ #kengharit… pic.twitter.com/8kOdDGibIL

— dia ☼ khem's amulet (@taiixyang) November 3, 2025

In a related safety measure, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has directed the Marine Department to conduct rigorous inspections of all piers, floating points, and water transport routes nationwide. As a result, the Marine Department has temporarily suspended the use of seven floating pontoons on the Chao Phraya River.

160 Chiang Mai Flights Adjusted to Avoid Sky Lanterns During Loy Krathong

Adding a celestial highlight to the festivities, the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) announced that this year’s Loy Krathong full moon will be a “Super Full Moon,” appearing at its closest and brightest for the year. The moon will be visible after 5:30 p.m., and NARIT will host free public telescope viewings at five locations across the country from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

-Thailand News (TN)