BMA calls on people to use less floating baskets during Loi Krathong Festival

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) calls on people to use less floating baskets during the Loi Krathong Festival this year to help reduce global warming.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน) request each family to use only one floating basket on the Loi Krathong day and the basket should be made from natural materials instead of foam.

The governor reveals that last year BMA collected more than 1.4-million floating baskets or 38 tonnes and each tonne costed 988 baht. 18.9% of the total floating baskets were made of foam.

BMA will arrange the Loi Krathong celebration at three main locations, including the Chao Phraya River’s banks, the Rama VIII Bridge, and the Santi Chai Prakarn (สวนสันติชัยปราการ) Park. The celebration will also take place in other areas, including 18 parks in Bangkok, the city’s old canals, and the Phadung Krung Kasem (ผดุงกรุงเกษม) Canal.

The governor affirms officials will provide security in all areas and request people to avoid using fireworks in Bangkok. Those who violate the ban will be fined up to 1,000 baht or face an imprisonment of not exceeding one month.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 November 2007

Maybe people should stop putting so many candles in the birthday cakes aswell, might help reduce global warming too?