PHUKET: A true sense of pre-COVID normalcy swept across Phuket last night as thousands attended Loy Krathong festivities across the island.
A passing storm prevented many from seeing the lunar eclipse and caused heavy rains, but nothing to dampen the spirits as people headed to bodies of water to float the krathongs with wishes for the future. There were very few.
The Governor of Phuket, Nalong Wung Chu, attended a celebration at Suan Luang (Rama IX Park) in Phuket Town.
As with all officially organized festivals, the festival included traditional dance performances, a non-noppamas beauty pageant for children, live music, and numerous stalls offering local cuisine and delicacies. .
Taking a welcome break from responding to the emergency and ongoing critical issues wrought by last month’s island-wide flooding, Governor Narong said: citizens. “
He welcomed that the Loy Krathong festival continues to maintain its traditional practices.
“If the Thai people do not understand the importance of preserving their traditions, arts and culture, these good things will fade with each passing day and eventually fade from the memory of the Thai people. I believe that when the day comes, Thai children will only be able to learn about the tradition of Loy Krathong through photographs,” he said.
Governor Narong called on all people to respect, honor and enjoy the celebration.
“I also encourage people to use krathongs made from natural materials so as not to harm the environment and cause pollution in rivers and canals,” he said.
Finally, the city of Phuket asked all people to refrain from exercising in the parks earlier this week, and cleaners ensured the festival did not leave any rubbish throughout the park.
In Patong, a team of officials along with local volunteers went out to the beach this morning to clean up Patong Beach.
Within hours, the main part of Patong Beach was cleared of all krathongs and other debris that had washed ashore during the night.
