Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan says he will join Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha for the traditional Loy Krathong festival tomorrow night, at Phadung Krung Kasem canal, “to float away all conflicts between them, if there are any.”
Several other cabinet ministers and their spouses are also expected to attend the event.
Culture Minister Itthiphol Kunplome, meanwhile, said the ministry has worked with Suan Dusit Poll to survey what people think about the “new normal” style Loy Krathong festival this year, being held in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
7,391 people, in a wide range of occupations, were polled. 66% said they are not interested in attending festive events over fears of getting infected. 45% said they do not want to venture out to meet people. 31% said they are not confident about the preventive measures and 20% said they don’t want to add to garbage in the rivers and canals.
40% said they look forward to attending the event, while 34% are not sure whether they can attend.
According to the same survey, the five most popular Loy Krathong-related activities are making merit and paying respect to deities, using krathong made of natural materials, watching glittering lanterns at night, wearing traditional costumes to attend the events, watching cultural exhibitions and shows and shopping for cultural products.
