As the moonlight reflects on Thailand’s rivers, thousands of candle-lit krathongs drift gently on the water, creating a scene of breathtaking beauty. But beneath this serene spectacle, an environmental story unfolds—one that is increasingly changing the way people, both locals and tourists, approach the festival.
History and Traditions of Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong (ลอยกระทง), celebrated this year on November 15th, 2024, is one of Thailand’s most iconic festivals. Stemming from the ancient Hindu festival Diwali, or the “Festival of Lights,” this event made its way to Thailand during the Sukhothai Kingdom. It was adapted into a Thai Buddhist tradition where participants float small decorative offerings called “krathongs” (กระทง) on water bodies to honor the Buddha and thank the Hindu Goddess of Water, Khongkha (พระแม่คงคา).
In Thai, “loy” (ลอย) means “to float,” and “krathong” (กระทง) refers to a buoyant vessel traditionally made from banana leaves, “bai dtorng” (ใบตอง). People decorate their krathongs with flowers (ดอกไม้ /dòrk máai/), joss sticks (ธูป /tôop/), and candles (เทียน /tiian/) before releasing them into rivers (แม่น้ำ /mâe-náam/) or ponds (บึง /beung/). The act of floating these vessels symbolizes letting go of negativity, hatred, and defilements, as well as asking for forgiveness (ขอขมา /kŏr kà-maa/) and making a wish (ขอพร /kŏr porn/) for the future.
Environmental Concerns: The Hidden Cost of Krathongs
While the festival’s origins are rooted in ancient traditions, its modern impact on Thailand’s rivers and lakes is hard to ignore. Every year, hundreds of thousands of krathongs are floated into rivers, ponds, and lakes across the country. For instance, in Bangkok alone, after the 2022 Loy Krathong, more than 800,000 krathongs were retrieved from the Chao Phraya River. Of these, over 25% were made from non-biodegradable materials such as foam and plastic, which harm aquatic life and contribute to long-term pollution in waterways. Even biodegradable krathongs can clog waterways and overwhelm local ecosystems if not properly managed.
Aside from the floating krathongs, floating lanterns (โคม) released into the sky can pose serious fire hazards, especially in densely populated areas. If these lanterns fall while still lit, they can set houses or fields on fire, adding to the festival’s potential dangers.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives and Responsible Tourism
Thankfully, eco-conscious options are becoming more popular. Biodegradable krathongs made from bread, ice, or leaves are now available in many markets. These alternatives dissolve harmlessly in water and even provide food for fish, helping to reduce the environmental burden of the festival.
In 2022, Bangkok city officials reported that almost 70% of the collected krathongs were made from natural materials, a significant improvement from past years. But there’s still a long way to go. As a participant in Loy Krathong, you can make a difference by choosing materials that are kind to the environment.
You can make your own krathong (ทำกระทง /tam grà-tong/) at many workshops or opt to buy one (ซื้อกระทง /séu grà-tong/) made from eco-friendly materials. Participating responsibly means choosing materials that leave no trace behind and respecting the water bodies we honor during the festival.
Vocabulary to Learn and Use:
Here’s a quick vocabulary guide to help you understand the festival’s key elements:
- To float = ลอย /loi/
- Krathong (banana leaf vessel) = กระทง /grà-tong/
- Flower = ดอกไม้ /dòrk máai/
- Joss stick = ธูป /tôop/
- Candle = เทียน /tiian/
- Firework = พลุ / ดอกไม้ไฟ /plú; dòrk máai fai/
- To make Krathong = ทำกระทง /tam grà-tong/
- To decorate = ตกแต่ง /dtòk dtàeng/
- To buy Krathong = ซื้อกระทง /séu grà-tong/
- Banana Leaf = ใบตอง /bai dtorng/
- Make a wish = ขอพร /kŏr porn/
- To ask for forgiveness = ขอขมา /kŏr kà-maa/
- Goddess of Water = พระแม่คงคา /prá-mâe-kong-kaa/
- River = แม่น้ำ /mâe-náam/
- Pond = บึง /beung/
A Personal Choice: Why I Stopped Floating Krathongs
Personally, I stopped floating krathongs more than a decade ago after realizing the environmental harm they cause. Many other Thais have also begun rethinking their participation in the festival. Loy Krathong isn’t celebrated by everyone anymore, as awareness grows about its ecological impact. While the festival holds deep cultural meaning, it’s important to acknowledge that not every Thai gets involved, and there are ways to honor the tradition without harming the environment.
The Good and Bad of Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong has both beautiful and troubling sides. On the one hand, it offers a time of reflection, community, and spiritual cleansing. On the other hand, the waste it generates has real consequences for Thailand’s water bodies and ecosystems. For instance, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration reported spending over 10 million baht on cleanup efforts alone after the 2019 festival.
The good news is, we have the power to balance tradition with responsibility by making smarter choices, like opting for eco-friendly materials or finding alternative ways to celebrate.
How to Make an Eco-Friendly Krathong
For those who wish to float a krathong, here’s a quick tip: DIY your own krathong from natural materials such as banana leaves, flowers, and bamboo. Some locals even use bread, which dissolves in the water and feeds the fish. Avoid foam and plastic, as they contribute heavily to pollution.
Here’s a simple guide to making your eco-friendly krathong:
- Use a round base made from banana leaves (ใบตอง /bai dtorng/) or bread.
- Decorate with flowers (ดอกไม้ /dòrk máai/) and natural items like leaves and seeds.
- Add a candle (เทียน /tiian/) and a joss stick (ธูป /tôop/) for the traditional element.
- Make a wish (ขอพร /kŏr porn/) before you release it!
A Call for Responsible Participation
This year, let’s all float towards a more mindful Loy Krathong. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you can still partake in the beauty and spirit of the festival without leaving harm behind. Let’s honor Thailand’s traditions while protecting the environment for future generations.
