Ahead of the Loy Krathong festival on November 15th, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is urging citizens to stop floating bread-made "krathong" baskets in local water bodies. While typically used in the festivity's ritual, these bread baskets are raising environmental concerns.

 

The BMA's Environment Department highlights the environmental threat posed by excessive bread krathong use. While theoretically edible for fish, leftover bread can rot, diminishing oxygen levels and harming aquatic life. Evidence from last year's event at Peace Park revealed ponds overwhelmed with abandoned krathong materials, primarily bread, causing major pollution and fish deaths.

Following the festival, extensive efforts were needed to restore the park’s ecosystem. Officials drained the pond, treated it with lime, and refilled it with fresh water—a recovery process spanning four months.

 

Previously, krathong made of Styrofoam were prohibited by the BMA, causing a rise in alternate materials like bread and banana trunks. The BMA advises festival-goers to reconsider their krathong choices in favour of more sustainable options, safeguarding Bangkok’s aquatic environments.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-10-22

 

 

Yeah environmental concerns for bread baskets eaten by fish and other animals... better can go to the river in your blacksmoke car and with motorcycles and leave the trash everywhere, as most nowhere bins can be found...Talking without thinking

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Not long ago the bread versions were promoted for environmental reasons.