Royal Thai Navy boosts river patrols and launches water rescue centres for Loy Krathong night

The Royal Thai Navy has deployed personnel and equipment nationwide to ensure public safety during the Loy Krathong festival on November 5, 2025, with a particular focus on waterways and crowded riverfront areas, especially along the Chao Phraya River.

Lt JG Priyada Buasomboon, Assistant Spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, said that all naval units across the country have been instructed to tighten surveillance and support local authorities during the celebrations, allowing people to enjoy the festival safely while maintaining vigilance over water-related risks.

In Bangkok, the Riverine Squadron of the Royal Thai Fleet has established a Water Rescue Coordination Centre along the Chao Phraya River, covering a stretch of 82 kilometres from Nonthaburi Bridge to the river mouth. Operations will run from November 5 at 5.00 p.m. to November 6 at 8.00 a.m.

Rescue teams, vessels, ambulances, and life-saving equipment are on full standby to respond swiftly to emergencies. The public can contact the Royal Thai Navy Water Rescue Centre via the hotline 1696.

The navy also issued safety guidelines for festivalgoers, urging everyone to:

• Wear life jackets when boarding boats.
• Avoid consuming alcohol while operating vessels.
• Refrain from releasing sky lanterns or fireworks, which could cause fires.
• Help keep rivers and canals clean, preserving the environment and supporting the sustainability of this traditional Thai festival.

The navy reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the Loy Krathong celebrations are safe, peaceful, and environmentally responsible for all participants.