Loy Krathong 2025
Loy Krathong 2025: A Gentle Glow of Tradition Amid National Mourning
As the full moon of the twelfth lunar month rises on Wednesday, November 5, Thailand prepares to honor one of its most cherished traditions—Loy Krathong, the Festival of Lights. This year, the celebration carries a deeper emotional resonance, as it unfolds during the mourning period for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, who passed away on October 24, 2025.
🌕 What Is Loy Krathong?
Loy Krathong (ลอยกระทง) is a centuries-old Thai festival that invites people to float small, lotus-shaped rafts—krathongs—on rivers, lakes, and canals. These delicate vessels, often made of banana leaves and adorned with flowers, candles, and incense, symbolize the release of negativity and the welcoming of renewal. Participants make wishes as they send their krathongs drifting into the water, honoring the river goddess Phra Mae Khongkha and expressing gratitude for nature’s gifts.
🕯️ Loy Krathong 2025: A Tribute to the Queen Mother
This year’s theme, “Thai Loy Krathong: A Tribute to the Mother of the Land,” reflects a nationwide effort to preserve tradition while paying homage to Queen Sirikit’s legacy as a patron of Thai arts and culture. Celebrations will be more subdued, with toned-down sound and lighting, and nightly candle-lighting ceremonies at 9:21 p.m. in places like Sukhothai Historical Park.
Despite initial uncertainty, the Thai government confirmed that festivities will proceed respectfully.
🌱 Celebrate with Care
In line with this year’s national theme—“Thai Loy Krathong: A Tribute to the Mother of the Land”—Khon Kaen is encouraging:
• Eco-friendly krathongs made from banana trunks, coconut husks, or bread
• Traditional Thai attire to honor cultural heritage
• Quiet reflection in place of fireworks or loud festivities
Local schools and community groups are also hosting krathong-making workshops, offering a chance to learn the craft and its symbolism.
