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

Thailand maintains the festival of lights by inviting the population to celebrate with respect in tribute to the Queen Mother Sirikit.

The Thai government has confirmed that the Loy Krathong 2025 festival will proceed as planned nationwide, emphasizing the preservation of Thai traditions while honoring the memory of the Late Queen Mother Sirikit, who passed away on October 24.

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

The Ministry of Interior announced that the annual Loy Krathong festival will 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 passing, the government declared a one-year mourning period for officials and initially suspended public festivities.

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

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

“We ask everyone to respect the rules of propriety during this period of mourning,” said Anutin.

“The cooperation has been excellent, as we were able to see during the BLACKPINK concert last week, which took place in a magnificent and respectful manner.”

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

Concerns related to economic impact

A woman dressed as Naang Noppamart and 'Plaka', the mascot of the Loy Krathong 2025 festival in Sukhothai, were unveiled at a press conference held in front of Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai Historical Park on October 10, 2025.

The Thai Chamber of Commerce University's Economic and Business Forecasting Center 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 Loy Krathong celebrations, while 33.2% will not.

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

CEBF President Thanavath Phonvichai stated that this year's celebrations are expected to be more subdued, with an estimated average expenditure per person of 2,212 baht, down from 2,449 baht last year.

“We estimate the total expenditure to be around 9.68 billion baht, representing a contraction of 6.5% compared to last year, the first negative growth in four years and the lowest level in ten years,” said Thanavath.

Preparations and provincial adjustments

A Thai couple in traditional costume poses for a photo during the Loy Krathong and Candle Lighting 2025 festival in the historic park of Sukhothai, on October 27, 2025.

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

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

Controversy surrounds Chiang Mai decorations

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

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

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

Mayor Asnee Booranupakorn stated that new decorations, designed appropriately, would be reinstalled as the festival dates approach, from November 4 to 6.

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

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

Reversal in the education sector

Wat Arun in Bangkok during the festival of lights, Loy Krathong. 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, lifting the previous ban on private schools and advising all establishments to exercise discretion.

"Schools can continue their activities such as sports days, scouting, and skills development events, provided they are carried out with moderation and respect," said permanent secretary Suthep Kaengsanthia.

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

See also:

Loy Krathong 2025: Bangkok opens 33 parks for the Festival of Lights

Source: Khaosod English