Thailand: A more subdued Loy Krathong 2025, dedicated to Queen Mother Sirikit

Thailand is maintaining its festival of lights, inviting the population to celebrate respectfully in homage to Queen Mother Sirikit.

The Thai government has confirmed that the Loy Krathong 2025 festival will take place as planned throughout the country, emphasizing the preservation of Thai traditions while honoring the memory of Queen Mother Sirikit, who died on October 24 .

See also: Traveling to Thailand: what you need to know during the national mourning period

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the annual Loy Krathong festival would not be cancelled, urging the public to "preserve this invaluable tradition while paying homage to the royal grace of the late Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother."

Following the Queen's death, the government declared a one-year period of mourning for civil servants and initially suspended public celebrations.

Officials later clarified that events could continue if they were organized respectfully, a decision that sparked a nationwide debate.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also holds the position of Minister of the Interior, confirmed that the celebrations could take place according to clear guidelines.

"We ask everyone to respect the rules of decorum during this period of mourning," said Anutin.

"The cooperation was excellent, as evidenced by BLACKPINK's concert last week, which was conducted in a beautiful and respectful manner."

The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the festival would also pay tribute to Queen Sirikit's role as "the supreme patron of the arts, who safeguarded and preserved Thai arts and culture."

Concerns related to the economic impact

A woman dressed as Naang Noppamart and "Plaka", the mascot of the Loy Krathong 2025 festival in Sukhothai, are unveiled during a press conference held in front of Wat Mahathat, in the historical park of Sukhothai, on October 10, 2025.

The Economic and Trade Forecasting Center of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce has released the results of a survey showing the significant economic implications of the mourning period on festival activities.

According to this survey, 66.2% of respondents plan to participate in the Loy Krathong celebrations, while 33.2% will not.

Among those who chose not to participate, nearly half cited bereavement and sadness as the main reasons.

CEBF Chairman Thanavath Phonvichai said this year's celebrations are expected to be more moderate, with average spending per person estimated at 2,212 baht, compared to 2,449 baht last year.

"We estimate total spending at around 9.68 billion baht, a contraction of 6.5 percent compared to last year, the first negative growth in four years and the lowest level in ten years," Thanavath said.

Provincial preparations and adjustments

A Thai couple in traditional dress poses for a photo during the Loy Krathong and Candle Lighting 2025 festival in Sukhothai Historical Park, October 27, 2025.

Sukhothai province, the birthplace of the Loy Krathong tradition, has confirmed that it will hold its 10-day festival from October 27 to November 5, with a nighttime candle-lighting ceremony at 9:21 p.m. in honor of the late queen.

Uncertainty persisted in other provinces until October 29, when the Ministry of the Interior sent letters authorizing local celebrations in memory of Queen Sirikit.

Controversy over decorations in Chiang Mai

Workers removed the black-painted floral decorations from the Nawarat Bridge in downtown Chiang Mai on the evening of October 28, following strong criticism on social media.

In Chiang Mai, preparations for the Yi Peng festival (the northern version of Loy Krathong) sparked controversy after organizers covered the colorful floral decorations of the Nawarat Bridge in black and grey following the death of the queen.

This decision sparked online criticism, prompting the city to remove the decorations completely on October 28.

Mayor Asnee Booranupakorn said that new, appropriately designed decorations would be reinstalled in the lead-up to the festival dates of November 4-6.

"We want the decorations to reflect beauty and respect," said Asnee.

"The design will be appropriate and serene for this period of mourning."

A turnaround in the education sector

Wat Arun in Bangkok during the Loy Krathong festival of lights. Photo: At Bangkok

The Ministry of Education faced a strong backlash after initially ordering all schools to suspend festive activities for a year.

Parents and students felt that this measure was too restrictive, particularly for annual cultural and school events.

In response, the ministry issued a revised directive on October 28, revoking the previous ban for private schools and advising all institutions to exercise discretion.

"Schools can continue their activities such as sports days, scouting and skills development events, provided they are conducted with moderation and respect," said Permanent Secretary Suthep Kaengsanthia.

As the date of Loy Krathong approaches on November 5, the government continues to find a balance between national mourning, cultural continuity and economic concerns, seeking to honor the legacy of Queen Sirikit while allowing traditions to continue.

See also:

Loy Krathong 2025: Bangkok opens 33 parks for the festival of lights

Source: Khaosod English