Throngs of Thais and international tourists are expected to make their way to locations such as Bangkok’s Lumpini Park and Chao Phraya River, the old city moat in Chiang Mai and Sukhothai Historical Park to launch their krathongs and watch colourful parades. Royal Thai Police deputy chief Ruangsak Jarit-ek said 20,000 extra officers would be on hand to assist revellers.
He expounded by saying half of these would be on duty in Bangkok and the rest would be under the command of provincial police commanders. General Jarit-ek said the officers had the remit of preventing crimes and helping people who got into difficulties. He finished off by saying that officers would be collaborating with relevant officials to monitor the celebrations.
Earlier today, marine police officers were already moving into position close to the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River to help anybody who fell into the water. Officers say parents with young children need to be extremely careful their charges do not fall off piers or pontoons when launching their krathongs.
Thai police to guard Loy Krathong festival venues
News in Asia
Police commanders in Thailand say they will be increasing the presence of officers in key locations for today’s Loy Krathong Festival celebrations. The festival is one of the biggest on the nation’s annual events calendar and a Thai custom is to launch a small boat (krathong) into a river, lake or pond.