Bangkok: The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is actively collecting and disposing of krathongs during the 2025 Loi Krathong Festival to mitigate environmental impacts.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Lertlak Leela Ruangsaeng, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Bangkok, along with key officials, inspected the efforts to collect krathongs from the Chao Phraya River. The inspection took place at the mouth of Khlong Ong Ang, under the Phra Pok Klao Bridge, where officials ensured the collected krathongs were properly disposed of by the Environment Department.
Mr. Pornprom Vikitset, Advisor to the Governor of Bangkok, noted that the number of krathongs collected this year is expected to be lower than last year’s 514,590. The majority of these were made from biodegradable materials, with a minimal percentage from foam. He highlighted that this year, the composting process is expected to be smoother due to fewer nails in the krathongs, acknowledging vendors for considering the safety of collection officials.
Additionally, Mr. Pornprom mentioned the introduction of online krathong floating at greener.bangkok.go.th, with nearly 20,000 krathongs floated online by 8:30 PM. He urged participants to avoid bread and foam krathongs due to their environmental harm, despite the latter’s ease of disposal.
Dr. Lertlak emphasized the preparations made by BMA officials across district offices to ensure public safety during the festival. The Environmental Department is deploying 28 collection boats and eight transport vehicles to gather krathongs from the Chao Phraya River, covering a 15-kilometer stretch from Rama VIII Bridge to Rama IX Bridge.
She further explained the appropriate disposal methods, stating that banana leaf krathongs can be composted, while foam ones are destined for landfills. Bread krathongs, despite their appeal, are discouraged due to their adverse environmental effects in water.
Mr. Ekwaranyu Amrapal, Bangkok’s spokesperson, assured that efforts to ensure public safety and efficient krathong collection are prioritized. He promised to provide a report on the collected krathongs the following morning.