Parents reminded to watch over children during Loy Krathong

BANGKOK, 20 November 2015 (NNT) – The Ministry of Public Health has suggested parents to keep a close watch on their children while partaking in Loy Krathong festivities to protect them from accidents.

Despite the festive atmosphere on Loy Krathong Day, Permanent Secretary for Public Health Sophon Mekthon indicated that the rate of accidents on the day has been increasing every year. He cited statistics from recent years as showing that an average of 51 people were killed in road accidents on the day while 13 others drowned. The number of children who drowned on Loy Krathong was also found to be twice as high as the average figure on a normal day.

Meanwhile, over the past five years, more than 200 Loy Krathong revelers were wounded by fireworks and firecrackers. Of the victims, two reportedly succumbed to their injuries.

Mr Sophon, therefore, affirmed that authorities this year will place more focus on reducing the number of Loy Krathong-related accidents.

He said all health units nationwide have been instructed to ask local residents to contribute to building a safe environment on the special occasion while parents have been advised to pay close attention to their kids.


-- NNT 2015-11-20

But the rest of the time its fine for them to carry babies/children on motorbikes 3-4-5 up.......

Good news little Somchai didnt die at Loy Krathong..............sadly he was mown down later on the way home on his bike

Edited November 20, 201510 yr by kannot

The number of children who drowned on Loy Krathong was also found to be twice as high as the average figure on a normal day.

How many children drown on a normal day?

The number of children who drowned on Loy Krathong was also found to be twice as high as the average figure on a normal day.

How many children drown on a normal day?

Six and a half.

an average of 51 people were killed in road accidents on the day while 13 others drowned. The number of children who drowned on Loy Krathong was also found to be twice as high as the average figure on a normal day.

Pretty shocking really. Teach your kids to swim.

They have to be reminded!

Says it all, really!

Edited November 20, 201510 yr by DM07

"The Ministry of Public Health has suggested parents to keep a close watch on their children while partaking in Loy Krathong festivities to protect them from accidents."

What they are actually saying is: "Please forgo Mai Pen Rai for a few days".

Yeah....That's likely to happen.

They forgot to tell them not to run with scissors and to not stick their hands in a spinning fan.

I had my daughter swimming like an otter by the age of 4. She's 10 now & I still watch her like a hawk around water.

The tendency is to teach their kids to be afraid of everything but things they should be afraid of.

Self Deleted double post. Blame my wretched internet connection.

Edited November 20, 201510 yr by jaywalker

They have never been taught parenting skills or have had good role models to view. We see it everyday here & I do not believe how neglectful parents are. They don't seem to worry about a toddler playing on the road or cuddling a soi dog. When they become a caring society then things might change. I will not hold my breath.

It is the same in the west,this month November and late October in the UK saw an average of 990 firework related accidents,of those 494 were children injured by sparklers,479 hospital admissions,121 of these accidents occurred at organised public events.

475 incidents occurred at private family parties and of the total 285 were eye injuries,it isn't only Thai people who have accidents and fatalities during public holidays and events,it is a global phenomenon of which some people refuse to believe.

The statistics are there for all to see.

Stay safe and enjoy the festivities where ever you may be.

Edited November 21, 201510 yr by stoneyboy