BANGKOK — The Thai government confirmed that the Loy Krathong Festival 2025 will proceed nationwide as planned, emphasizing the preservation of Thai traditions while honoring the memory of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, who passed away on October 24.
The Ministry of Interior announced that the annual Loy Krathong Festival will not be canceled, urging the public to “preserve this invaluable tradition while paying tribute to the royal grace of the late Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.”
After the Queen’s passing, the government declared a one-year mourning period for civil servants and initially suspended public festivities. Officials later clarified that events could continue if held in an appropriately respectful manner — a decision that sparked debate nationwide.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as interior minister, confirmed that celebrations may proceed under clear guidelines.
“We ask everyone to observe proper decorum during this mourning period,” Anutin said. “The cooperation has been excellent, as seen during last week’s BLACKPINK concert, which proceeded beautifully and respectfully.”
The Interior Ministry said the festival will also pay tribute to Queen Sirikit’s role as “the Supreme Patron of the Arts, who safeguarded and preserved Thai arts and culture.”
Economic Impact Concerns
The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting released survey results showing significant economic implications of the mourning period on festival activities.
According to its survey, 66.2% of respondents plan to participate in Loy Krathong celebrations, while 33.2% will not. Among those opting out, nearly half cited mourning and sadness as the main reasons.
CEBF President Thanavath Phonvichai said this year’s celebrations are expected to be more subdued, with average spending per person projected at 2,212 baht, down from 2,449 baht last year.
“We estimate total spending at about 9.68 billion baht, a 6.5% contraction from last year — the first negative growth in four years and the lowest level in a decade,” Thanavath said.
Provincial Preparations and Adjustments
Sukhothai province, the birthplace of the Loy Krathong tradition, confirmed it would host its 10-day festival from October 27 to November 5, with a nightly candle-lighting ceremony at 9:21 p.m. to honor the late Queen.
Uncertainty lingered in other provinces until October 29, when the Interior Ministry sent letters authorizing local celebrations held in remembrance of Queen Sirikit.
Chiang Mai Decoration Controversy
In Chiang Mai, preparations for the Yi Peng Festival (northern version of Loy Krathong) drew controversy after organizers painted over colorful floral decorations on Nawarat Bridge with black and gray following the Queen’s passing.
The move sparked online criticism, prompting the city to remove the decorations entirely on October 28. Mayor Asnee Booranupakorn said new, suitably designed decorations will be reinstalled closer to the festival dates of November 4–6.
“We want the decorations to reflect beauty and respect,” Asnee said. “The design will be appropriate and serene for this period of mourning.”
Education Sector Reversal
The Ministry of Education faced backlash after initially ordering all schools to suspend festive activities for one year. Parents and students argued the measure was too restrictive, especially for annual cultural and academic events.
In response, the ministry issued a revised directive on October 28, revoking the earlier ban for private schools and advising all institutions to exercise discretion.
“Schools may continue activities such as sports days, scouting, and skill-building events, provided they are conducted with restraint and respect,” said Permanent Secretary Suthep Kaengsanthia.
As the November 5 Loy Krathong date nears, the government continues to balance national mourning with cultural continuity and economic concerns — seeking to honor Queen Sirikit’s legacy while allowing traditions to carry on.
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