I heard the bars around the moat will not be able to sell alcohol during Loi Kratong. Is there any truth to this? If it is true, the powers that be really need to be medicated. How will this help tourism with all the crap thats been going on.?

Loy Kratong is not a holiday it is a festival. I cannot imagine that it would impede alcohol sales. Holy Holidays and King and Queen's birthday for certain but in the many years that I have been coming to Thailand during this time no bar/restaurant everstopped serving on Loy Kratong.

Surely it is possible to enjoy the festival without alcohol

Surely it is possible to enjoy the festival without alcohol

Outside of the city sure.

Inside it, not unless you are teetotal.

Surely it is possible to enjoy the festival without alcohol

A lot of people can't enjoy their life, let alone a festival, without Alcohol.

Thank goodness I don't need it.