Bangkok: Change is being urged among Thai people to reconsider the materials used for floating krathongs, especially bread and crispy corn snacks colored with fish food, during the vibrant Loy Krathong Festival. This call for change aims to tackle the problem of fish not consuming these materials in time, ultimately reducing water pollution, minimizing waste, and preserving water sources without harming the ecosystem.
According to Thai News Agency, the full moon of the 12th lunar month marks the arrival of Loy Krathong Day, which falls on November 5, 2025. This traditional event, rich in colors, lights, and festivities, plays a significant role in boosting tourism across various regions. Participants bring uniquely crafted krathongs to float on waterways, symbolically seeking forgiveness from the Goddess of Water for the considerable use of water resources each year. However, some krathongs end up as waste, adversely impacting the environment.
In recent years, government bodies and organizations have campaigned to reduce the use of non-biodegradable materials like foam, plastic, and paper in krathongs. Despite a shift towards biodegradable materials, such as bread and colored corn chips, these have also been found to negatively impact water sources and aquatic ecosystems.
Mr. Surin Worakithamrong, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), emphasized that bread krathongs, though biodegradable, can pollute closed water bodies due to their high organic content and contribute to food waste in water sources. The PCD is advocating for an “Environmentally Friendly Loi Krathong” initiative to reduce water pollution through simple behavioral changes.
The Department suggests three eco-friendly approaches: adopting the ‘one family, one krathong’ policy, using natural biodegradable materials like banana leaves, or participating in online Loi Krathong events. These measures aim to minimize waste generated by the festival.
Citizens and tourists are encouraged to celebrate Loi Krathong in designated areas to facilitate proper waste collection and disposal. The public is also advised to separate leftover food waste and single-use plastics, bring cloth bags, and use personal drinking cups to set a sustainable example for international tourists.
The Department of Medical Sciences has highlighted that some multi-colored fish food contains hazardous dyes with heavy metals, posing a threat to aquatic life. Bread and ice cream cone krathongs, though decomposing quickly, contribute to water pollution and long-term environmental issues.
Research from the Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University notes that not all fish can consume bread, urging a reduction in its use to prevent water pollution and conserve water resources.
The Department of Climate Change and Environment reported krathong waste statistics from Bangkok over the past five years, showing variations in the use of natural and foam materials. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is actively managing this waste by converting natural materials into organic fertilizer and properly disposing of foam through landfilling or incineration.