Bangkok calls for eco-friendly celebrations at Loy Krathong Festival!

Bangkok calls for eco-friendly celebrations at Loy Krathong Festival!

On November 5, 2025, the popular one will be back in BangkokLoy Krathong Festivalcelebrated. This traditional event attracts people every year to honor the gods and the water spirit with lovingly crafted krathongs, small floating baskets. However, the city administration calls for environmentally friendly practices to be taken into account this year and in particular to avoid the use of breadwort hongs. TrueID reports that despite the biodegradability of bread, this has detrimental effects on water quality as the leftover bread rots quickly and is not eaten by all fish.

In order to minimize the impact on water, the city is introducing the “5 free” concept. This includes three points regarding freedom from contamination and two safety aspects. One of the environmentally friendly requirements is that krathongs must be made from biodegradable materials. Inn News supports this initiative by emphasizing the ban on, among other things, Styrofoam and staples. In addition, the city recommends reducing air pollution by driving less and partying in nearby parks.

The Loy Krathong Festival: tradition meets environmental awareness

Loy Krathong celebrations, which took place in Thailand and some neighboring countries, originated in India and are a way to thank the water and river goddess Khongkha by releasing the festively decorated krathongs into rivers and canals. Elsewhere in the region, such as Chiang Mai, sky lanterns are released during the festival, but in Bangkok this is not allowed due to security measures. Wikipedia explains that in the past even planes have been diverted due to such celebrations.

In Bangkok, 33 public parks will be opened for the festivities. The city government is encouraging citizens to participate in the festival online by creating their own krathong through the Greener Bangkok platform. From 5 a.m. to midnight, participants can choose their desired style and express their wishes. This measure is not only aimed at reducing waste, but also to show respect to the water goddess.

Pollution of waterways after the festival has been a major issue in the past. In 2023, for example, water quality levels in a park had to be improved for months because many aquatic life was affected. TrueID highlights this problem, which arises from the use of non-natural materials and improperly disposed of leftovers. The city is therefore calling for a rethink and a return to the roots of tradition, which also increases awareness of nature.

The Loy Krathong Festival is more than just a festive tradition – it is an invitation to celebrate responsibly. With a focus on environmental sustainability, organizers hope this year will encourage more people to celebrate this ancient custom in an environmentally friendly way.