Thailand’s Celebrations Glow for Loi Krathong 2025 Despite National Mourning
Festival of Lights events proceed across Thailand with adjusted tone following mourning for Queen Sirikit
Thailand welcomes the annual Loi Krathong Festival in a richly illuminated display of cultural heritage between late October and early November 2025, even as the nation observes a period of mourning for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.
Celebrations proceed in multiple destinations—from the ancient temples of Sukhothai to riverfront piers in Bangkok—with adjusted rituals that reflect respect and continuity.
In Sukhothai Historical Park the eight-day festivities run from 27 October to 5 November, where nightly candle-lighting ceremonies begin at 21:21 to honour the Queen Mother and fireworks are replaced with traditional light displays.
In Ayutthaya, the showcase at Wat Phra Ram runs from 2 to 6 November, featuring illuminated boats and cultural performances in a toned-down tribute.
The capital city of Bangkok will host the river-front event along the Chao Phraya River from 3 to 5 November at nine major piers including Wat Pho, Wat Arun and ICONSIAM, offering a modern spectacle of floating krathongs and evening festivities.
Meanwhile, other regional celebrations such as the Loi Krathong Sai Festival in Tak (2–5 November) feature the southern-style tradition of coconut-shell krathongs drifting under the Rattanakosin Celebration Bridge.
Despite the solemn national atmosphere, the Tourism Authority of Thailand affirms that tourists are welcome and that accommodations, transport and local amenities operate as usual — albeit with respectful modifications to event formats.
The body has emphasised the importance of cultural sensitivity, particularly at temple sites and during evening ceremonies.
With its multi-day schedule, the festival accommodates broader participation and gives visitors flexible access across regions.
From serene floats in historical ruins to vibrant urban waterfronts, Thailand’s 2025 Festival of Lights merges tradition and remembrance during a time of national reflection.
Celebrations proceed in multiple destinations—from the ancient temples of Sukhothai to riverfront piers in Bangkok—with adjusted rituals that reflect respect and continuity.
In Sukhothai Historical Park the eight-day festivities run from 27 October to 5 November, where nightly candle-lighting ceremonies begin at 21:21 to honour the Queen Mother and fireworks are replaced with traditional light displays.
In Ayutthaya, the showcase at Wat Phra Ram runs from 2 to 6 November, featuring illuminated boats and cultural performances in a toned-down tribute.
The capital city of Bangkok will host the river-front event along the Chao Phraya River from 3 to 5 November at nine major piers including Wat Pho, Wat Arun and ICONSIAM, offering a modern spectacle of floating krathongs and evening festivities.
Meanwhile, other regional celebrations such as the Loi Krathong Sai Festival in Tak (2–5 November) feature the southern-style tradition of coconut-shell krathongs drifting under the Rattanakosin Celebration Bridge.
Despite the solemn national atmosphere, the Tourism Authority of Thailand affirms that tourists are welcome and that accommodations, transport and local amenities operate as usual — albeit with respectful modifications to event formats.
The body has emphasised the importance of cultural sensitivity, particularly at temple sites and during evening ceremonies.
With its multi-day schedule, the festival accommodates broader participation and gives visitors flexible access across regions.
From serene floats in historical ruins to vibrant urban waterfronts, Thailand’s 2025 Festival of Lights merges tradition and remembrance during a time of national reflection.
