Loy Krathong and Full Moon Party celebrations on Rin beach kick off in full swing



BANGKOK: -- Tens of thousands of foreign tourists and locals celebrated the Loy Krathong festival night on Rin beach in Koh Phangan Island Thursday night in mixed cultures, dancing the western music and floating Krathongs in the sea under the Thai traditional Loy Krathong songs.

More than 500 policemen and civil volunteers were deployed to ensure the tourists celebrated the festival with safety.

Migrant workers were barred from the celebration under the 10.00 pm curfew imposed by the Surat Thani governor.

Normally November will be the month when the moon turns full moon and is time for the Loy Krathong festival and the Full Moon Party.

Every year, tourists from Thailand and overseas visit this special Phangan Island in the southern province of Surat Thani to enjoy a beach party on a full moon night.

But the celebration last night was different due to tightened security following the murder of two British tourists on the nearby island two months ago.

However neither the tightened security nor the double murders of British tourists would subdue the full moon party and the fun of Loy Krathong celebrations on Rin beach.

Foreign tourists were unwinding themselves with entertainment here on Rin beach. It remains a time for them to sing, dance and drink.

For over forty years, this place has drawn tourists from around the world for beach party.

Officials said the island itself attracts more than 600,000 tourists annually.

With the growing popularity of the beach party, it has prompted local operators to come up with new ideas of entertainment to keep this place an ultimate destination for tourists, they said

The moon has become less relevant. Over the years, parties have been held on these sand beaches on black moon night, half moon night and full moon night.

Now tourists are no longer need to wait for the moon to completely illuminated to enjoy their nightlife.

However, two months ago following the murder of the two British tourists, Surat Thani governor Chatpong Chatphuti had ordered a ban on dark-moon and half-moon beach parties on the province’s islands to ensure safety of tourists.

However the Full Moon Party was exempted.

He banned all parties at all beaches except at the Run beach where Full Moon party is still permitted.

But last night celebration, instruction was that after 2.00 am no celebration with sound is permitted.

Migrant workers, who are blamed for the tourist murder, are also prohibited by the martial law for any gathering from 10 pm.

But such ban has affected tourism operators.

Mr Wichan Jaisamor, secretary of Koh Phangan Tourism Promotion Association, viewed that beach parties attract certain number of tourists.

These tourists are regular customers who usually buy flight ticket to the island in advance. Some buy the ticket many months in advance.

But the ban brought about issue that needed to look into by local authorities, he said.

He agreed with the ban because tourist safety is very important, will help reduce risk of danger for tourists.

However, he acknowledges that the island can lose some 10 million baht of revenue per month due to the ban.

Many local business operators admitted they were heavily affected by the sudden ban.

Local hotels and resorts said they recently received cancellation notice from their customers who had intended to visit beach party.

Beach party organisers also complain that they have to cancel their plans for black-moon and half-moon parties while tour operators say they have already sold tours to their customers in advance.

One beach party organiser said if the governor’s ban can not be changed, there is a need for a meeting of concerned parties.

He said the beach party has continued here for a long time and has become partly an essential factor to sustain tourism growth on the island.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/loy-krathong-full-moon-party-celebrations-rin-beach-kick-full-swing/


-- Thai PBS 2014-11-07

It would be interesting to actually see the number of ''Foreign celebrators of the Loy Krathong ceremony and the local residents numbers.

Tens of Thousand Thai's indeed yes .

Tens of Thousands foreigners a pipe dream.

Indeed a fine example of creative wishful thinking concerning numbers from the dream weavers in Thailand's tourist industry''

And a perfect example of the Thai xenophobia and racial discrimination at its best .see the quote below.

Migrant workers were barred from the celebration under the 10.00 pm curfew imposed by the Surat Thani governor.

And again we see another prime example imitation as opposed to innovation by the taking of a foreign ( religious) custom and the subsequent claiming of the festival being Thai in origin.

Loy Krathong was a Brahmanical festival that was adapted by Thai Buddhists in Thailand to honor Buddha, Prince Siddhartha Gautama. The candle venerates the Buddha with light, while the krathong's floating symbolizes letting go of all one's hatred, anger, and defilements. People sometime cut their fingernails or hair and place the clippings on the krathong as a symbol of letting go of past transgressions and negative thoughts. Many ordinary Thai use the krathong to thank the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha

Passed the piers in Bangrak where the boats depart for Haad Rin twice yesterday evening. Nearly all completely deserted. Same around noon today when one expects many party goers to return to Samui. I don't think it was a particular busy party...

Passed the piers in Bangrak where the boats depart for Haad Rin twice yesterday evening. Nearly all completely deserted. Same around noon today when one expects many party goers to return to Samui. I don't think it was a particular busy party...

Yes tourism appears to be on its arse here. It will of course be rammed over the christmas/new year two weeks but after that i wouldn't expect it to be much better next year.

Migrant workers were barred.

What planet are these people on?

Does the word discrimination not have any meaning in this country?

......'laying it on thick'.......

....feeling nauseated......

Who are the migrant workers? So the Birmese boys have indirectly been found guilty. Sick bunch !!

Foreign party goers, especially British, are fools to support these type of fun business and they lack empathy and solidarity with the murder victims and the burmese scapegoats.

Fun with drugs, alcohol and uninhibited sex... so poor.

10 million baht a month lost from the cancelation of the other parties is a way smaller number then what we are feeling on the island. I would say its over 10 million baht a week. The last 2 months have been horrible for business on Phangan. Aside from the full moon party week all the hostels have been empty, restaurants empty and the young travelers are leaving to Phi Phi and other party spots because there is nothing for them to do at night. DJ's, security personal, bartenders are all out of work. The songtaw taxis are hurting bad as well and everyone renting motorbikes. Big C and tesco are fairly empty and there are no lines in Makro even on the day after the full moon. There was a police check point opposite my restaurant the last 2 nights and that killed our business as well.

This party ban make no sense. The parties that are banned are mostly all on private property back in the jungle near the mountains. They are not in heavily populated areas. They all have private security, police security and before the ban even army presence. Violence is minimal and even fist fights are rare. Most all the physical damage done on phangan is self inflicted hangovers and people who drive on their motorbikes after the parties to save 100 baht.

These efforts to improve the safety and reputation of Thailand are totally backfiring here and making one of the most beautiful spots in Thailand less appealing to the average backpacker. Backpackers, even on their tighter budgets, spread their money among the locals more then any other traveler demographic and tens of thousands of peoples livelihoods depend on their wanderings. Restart the parties!

Migrant workers banned from beach parties ?

Good for them.

But try to imagine such a ban in any European country.

Would be a worldwide outcry racists, fascist, nazies...

I am truly disgusted to read that Burmese were banned from FMP! just the other day it was reported that the National council of Thai lawyers stated that it was completely illegal for the governor to impose a curfew on Burmese! they stated that he has zero authority to do so, and that it was also extremely racist! I've lived on this island year round for 15 years and I honestly do NOT see a decrease in tourists this month as compared to every prior November. this particular month is ALWAYS quiet, every year! all of the nearby motorbike shops are currently empty as they've rented them all out. I read a prior post above from a local and I disagree completely with his statements. and, as far as roadblocks, they are present every single full moon party; so that is NOT a new thing! frankly, until the governor and others address the human rights violations currently imposed illegally upon Burmese, they deserve to lose money! everyone who has a little shop or restaurant (most of which commonly close every year at this time) should speak up regarding the violations against human rights. if this can be done to the Burmese population, who's to say that the "whiteys" won't be next! shame and disgrace on you Thailand!

I thought the cops banned the Full Moon Party, hell they can't keep their word on anything, lying sack of xxxxxxxxxxxxx

beautiful girls ????

10 million baht a month lost from the cancelation of the other parties is a way smaller number then what we are feeling on the island. I would say its over 10 million baht a week. The last 2 months have been horrible for business on Phangan. Aside from the full moon party week all the hostels have been empty, restaurants empty and the young travelers are leaving to Phi Phi and other party spots because there is nothing for them to do at night. DJ's, security personal, bartenders are all out of work. The songtaw taxis are hurting bad as well and everyone renting motorbikes. Big C and tesco are fairly empty and there are no lines in Makro even on the day after the full moon. There was a police check point opposite my restaurant the last 2 nights and that killed our business as well.

This party ban make no sense. The parties that are banned are mostly all on private property back in the jungle near the mountains. They are not in heavily populated areas. They all have private security, police security and before the ban even army presence. Violence is minimal and even fist fights are rare. Most all the physical damage done on phangan is self inflicted hangovers and people who drive on their motorbikes after the parties to save 100 baht.

These efforts to improve the safety and reputation of Thailand are totally backfiring here and making one of the most beautiful spots in Thailand less appealing to the average backpacker. Backpackers, even on their tighter budgets, spread their money among the locals more then any other traveler demographic and tens of thousands of peoples livelihoods depend on their wanderings. Restart the parties!

How about ending the parties for good and courting regular tourists and families to come back and enjoy the islands.

10 million baht a month lost from the cancelation of the other parties is a way smaller number then what we are feeling on the island. I would say its over 10 million baht a week. The last 2 months have been horrible for business on Phangan. Aside from the full moon party week all the hostels have been empty, restaurants empty and the young travelers are leaving to Phi Phi and other party spots because there is nothing for them to do at night. DJ's, security personal, bartenders are all out of work. The songtaw taxis are hurting bad as well and everyone renting motorbikes. Big C and tesco are fairly empty and there are no lines in Makro even on the day after the full moon. There was a police check point opposite my restaurant the last 2 nights and that killed our business as well.

This party ban make no sense. The parties that are banned are mostly all on private property back in the jungle near the mountains. They are not in heavily populated areas. They all have private security, police security and before the ban even army presence. Violence is minimal and even fist fights are rare. Most all the physical damage done on phangan is self inflicted hangovers and people who drive on their motorbikes after the parties to save 100 baht.

These efforts to improve the safety and reputation of Thailand are totally backfiring here and making one of the most beautiful spots in Thailand less appealing to the average backpacker. Backpackers, even on their tighter budgets, spread their money among the locals more then any other traveler demographic and tens of thousands of peoples livelihoods depend on their wanderings. Restart the parties!

The island has a Tescos, Big C and a Macro? Jesus, thanx for informing me, definitely crossed off my places to visit. Ko Chang went tits up when they put a McDonalds on there...

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"10 million baht a month lost from the cancelation of the other parties is a way smaller number then what we are feeling on the island. I would say its over 10 million baht a week. The last 2 months have been horrible for business on Phangan. Aside from the full moon party week all the hostels have been empty, restaurants empty and the young travelers are leaving to Phi Phi and other party spots because there is nothing for them to do at night. DJ's, security personal, bartenders are all out of work. The songtaw taxis are hurting bad as well and everyone renting motorbikes. Big C and tesco are fairly empty and there are no lines in Makro even on the day after the full moon. There was a police check point opposite my restaurant the last 2 nights and that killed our business as well.

This party ban make no sense. The parties that are banned are mostly all on private property back in the jungle near the mountains. They are not in heavily populated areas. They all have private security, police security and before the ban even army presence. Violence is minimal and even fist fights are rare. Most all the physical damage done on phangan is self inflicted hangovers and people who drive on their motorbikes after the parties to save 100 baht.

These efforts to improve the safety and reputation of Thailand are totally backfiring here and making one of the most beautiful spots in Thailand less appealing to the average backpacker. Backpackers, even on their tighter budgets, spread their money among the locals more then any other traveler demographic and tens of thousands of peoples livelihoods depend on their wanderings. Restart the parties!"

I wonder are they purposely trying to reshape the island or are they in total la la land and think what they're doing is somehow going to appeal to the tourists? Never cease to amaze, that's for sure...

6.000 attended ,most resorts empty next day , lies and more lies from thai press. Its starting to happen and they are panicking, from 100 mil to 10 mil.bht per FMP.

Hard times ahead you chancers , everyone knows now, it will not go back to what it was , back to street vendors eh .

10 million baht a month lost from the cancelation of the other parties is a way smaller number then what we are feeling on the island. I would say its over 10 million baht a week. The last 2 months have been horrible for business on Phangan. Aside from the full moon party week all the hostels have been empty, restaurants empty and the young travelers are leaving to Phi Phi and other party spots because there is nothing for them to do at night. DJ's, security personal, bartenders are all out of work. The songtaw taxis are hurting bad as well and everyone renting motorbikes. Big C and tesco are fairly empty and there are no lines in Makro even on the day after the full moon. There was a police check point opposite my restaurant the last 2 nights and that killed our business as well.

This party ban make no sense. The parties that are banned are mostly all on private property back in the jungle near the mountains. They are not in heavily populated areas. They all have private security, police security and before the ban even army presence. Violence is minimal and even fist fights are rare. Most all the physical damage done on phangan is self inflicted hangovers and people who drive on their motorbikes after the parties to save 100 baht.

These efforts to improve the safety and reputation of Thailand are totally backfiring here and making one of the most beautiful spots in Thailand less appealing to the average backpacker. Backpackers, even on their tighter budgets, spread their money among the locals more then any other traveler demographic and tens of thousands of peoples livelihoods depend on their wanderings. Restart the parties!

The island has a Tescos, Big C and a Macro? Jesus, thanx for informing me, definitely crossed off my places to visit. Ko Chang went tits up when they put a McDonalds on there...

MacD's on Koh Chang??? Where??? Howz about a link??? Didn't think so...

Never have been any fast-food chains on KC (except Chesters, ugh! gag me with a spoon!)

So TAT are still trying the old USSR propaganda style of reporting...

There is a simple solution to provide accurate information: Immigration has data available which could benefit everyone interested in knowing the real number of visitors, to any spot in Thailand...

Is it not law that every foreigner has to register his presence within 24 hours of arrival? From earlier discussions, most of the resorts actually do report this via the website, so where is this information? Why can immigration not 1. Check that everyone is reporting, and 2. Publish the numbers by area, or make it available for analysis.

To measure the impact of any event, change in policy or forming trend, the data accuracy is vital - but here we are again being told there were 20,000 party-goers, where in fact 5,000 to 6,000 is way more likely (from local observations)...

Why can the police not report the number of incidents recorded after each party, or every week? It would be interesting to see if things really change if you have 1 policeman for every 20 revelers? Do we look forward to 2,000 police present at a big party

Re the various bans; I saw roadside signs advertising some sort of 'Moon' party dated 28th Oct for a venue in Chaweng & others today promoting another on 12th Nov.

Business as usual?

10 million baht a month lost from the cancelation of the other parties is a way smaller number then what we are feeling on the island. I would say its over 10 million baht a week. The last 2 months have been horrible for business on Phangan. Aside from the full moon party week all the hostels have been empty, restaurants empty and the young travelers are leaving to Phi Phi and other party spots because there is nothing for them to do at night. DJ's, security personal, bartenders are all out of work. The songtaw taxis are hurting bad as well and everyone renting motorbikes. Big C and tesco are fairly empty and there are no lines in Makro even on the day after the full moon. There was a police check point opposite my restaurant the last 2 nights and that killed our business as well.

This party ban make no sense. The parties that are banned are mostly all on private property back in the jungle near the mountains. They are not in heavily populated areas. They all have private security, police security and before the ban even army presence. Violence is minimal and even fist fights are rare. Most all the physical damage done on phangan is self inflicted hangovers and people who drive on their motorbikes after the parties to save 100 baht.

These efforts to improve the safety and reputation of Thailand are totally backfiring here and making one of the most beautiful spots in Thailand less appealing to the average backpacker. Backpackers, even on their tighter budgets, spread their money among the locals more then any other traveler demographic and tens of thousands of peoples livelihoods depend on their wanderings. Restart the parties!

The island has a Tescos, Big C and a Macro? Jesus, thanx for informing me, definitely crossed off my places to visit. Ko Chang went tits up when they put a McDonalds on there...

Well the mini Tesco has been there since 2008 .... what difference does that make? Big C and Makro more recent, but no one has to got to the area where they are situated on the Tongsala Ban Tai road, .... still plenty of laid back places on KP to visit...

Obviously you're not a frequent visitor

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