BMA seeks to ensure safety during festival

The governor inspected six piers along the Chao Phraya River, namely Tha Chang and Memorial Bridge piers in Phra Nakhon district, Wat Arun Ferry Pier in Bangkok Yai district, Wang Lang Pier in Bangkok Noi, Pra Pinklao Bridge Pier in Thon Buri and Rama 8 Bridge Pier in Bang Phlat district.

Sukhumbhand said city administration had prepared for the festival by checking more than 400 piers for safety and had repaired 383 of them. Piers that cannot be repaired have been equipped with a warning sign so people are careful. 

The city will also organise at least 50 boats with officials to look after the public along the river during the festive period, he added. Sukhumbhand has also urged members of the public to refrain from setting off fireworks and opt for floats made of natural materials. 

Twenty-nine Bangkok parks including Lumpini, Chatuchak and Vachirabenjatas (Rot Fai Park) will host Loy Krathong celebrations, while 174 additional sites would be set up by the private sector. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will attend the Loy Krathong event at Rama 8 Bridge Park, Sukhumbhand said.

Meanwhile, in Ratchaburi province, Phayung Chaengnaimuang, chief of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand’s Ratchaburi Office, has warned people to refrain from releasing “Khom Loy” floating lanterns near high-voltage lines during the festival as it could lead to power failure and other problems. He has called on people to call the 1416 hotline if they have any questions or emergency. 

Up North, Somkiat Chaipibul, director of the Economics Research and Agricultural Forecasting Centre of Maejo University (Maejo Poll) in Chiang Mai province, said yesterday that some 88 per cent of the 350 Chiang Mai residents interviewed last week backed the city’s measures against the releasing of floating lanterns. They reasoned that such measures would help prevent fires and boost aviation safety. 

Only 12.29 per cent said they disagreed on grounds that releasing floating lanterns was a tourist attraction during this festival.