Bangkok once again sparkled under candlelight and moonlight as the city joined Wat Samian Nari and local communities to host “Lights, Water, and the Charm of Loy Krathong on Khlong Prem Prachakorn” — a celebration that beautifully blended tradition, community, and sustainability.
Held on November 5, 2025, the event invited residents and visitors alike to experience an authentic Thai-style Loy Krathong. The festival’s highlight was the revival of Khlong Prem Prachakorn, one of Bangkok’s historical waterways, brought back to life with vibrant cultural activities and heartfelt community participation.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr. Narong Ruangsri, Permanent Secretary of Bangkok, joined by city executives, local leaders, and representatives from the public and private sectors. The event took place at Wat Samian Nari, a royal temple in Chatuchak District, and along the Pracharuamjai 1 Community waterfront.
A Day of Culture and Connection
From morning to evening, visitors enjoyed a wide range of traditional activities — from a Thet Maha Chat sermon and a heritage boat market to krathong-making contests and the Noppamas beauty pageants for children and adults. The festival also featured a painting contest themed “The Royal Duties of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother in Our Hearts,” paying tribute to Her Majesty’s lifelong dedication to nature and culture.
One of the most anticipated events was the longboat race along Khlong Prem Prachakorn, with teams competing in multiple categories over a 200-meter stretch. The lively heritage boat procession, gliding gracefully from Suan Prem Prachawanarak to Wat Samian Nari, reflected the unity of communities on both sides of the canal — a living symbol of Bangkok’s enduring connection to water.
Honoring Tradition, Preserving Nature
Mr. Narong highlighted that Loy Krathong is more than a festive occasion — it’s a reflection of Thai gratitude toward the rivers and waterways that sustain life. “The act of floating a krathong is not only a way of asking forgiveness from the Goddess of the River but also a reminder to care for our environment,” he said.
This year’s festival embraced the theme “Thai Way Loy Krathong: Safe and Eco-Friendly”, aligning with the royal initiatives of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, who has long championed environmental protection. Visitors were encouraged to use biodegradable krathongs and participate responsibly in keeping the waterways clean.
A Collective Effort for a Sustainable Celebration
The event was made possible through collaboration between Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Wat Samian Nari, local cultural councils, and major private sector partners including SCG, PTT, Thai Beverage, BJC Big C, and Krobkrua Transport. Provincial representatives from Chiang Mai and Surat Thani also joined the celebration, underscoring the spirit of nationwide unity.
As candle-lit krathongs floated gently down Khlong Prem, the evening shimmered with the beauty of tradition and togetherness — a reminder that even in the heart of the capital, Bangkok’s rivers still carry the soul of Thai culture.