Loy krathong candle light festival in Thailand postponed

BANGKOK, October 27 (TNA) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has put off the Loy Krathong candle light festival celebrations until the official mourning period for the late Supreme Patriarch ends. Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara Suvaddhana Mahathera, the Supreme Patriarch, passed away at Chulalongkorn Hospital in central Bangkok on Thursday night at the age of 100 years. His body was moved from the hospital to Bowonniwet Vihara Temple by a procession on Friday afternoon. The government announced the extension of the period to mourn the late Supreme Patriarch from 15 to 30 days. TAT Deputy Governor Thawatchai Arunyik said that the annual event which falls on November 17 this year coincides with the 30-day mourning period. Activities and entertainment should be put on hold. After the mourning period ends, the TAT will hold a meeting to designate the date for the Loy Krathong festival celebration. The candle light festival draws a large number of tourists to Thailand. Thai people launch small flower vessel or Krathong made of banana trunks to worship the Goddess of River. (TNA)