Thai PM orders tight security during Loy Krathong, New Year Festivals

BANGKOK, November 25 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha says he has ordered all government agencies to step up security measures to ensure public safety during the Loy Krathong and the New Year Festivals. For the Loy Krathong Festival on November 25, the prime minister urged people to use Krathong floats made from natural materials to be environmentally friendly and to think about the burden of cleaners on following days. The prime minister said he is also aware that water shortage limits activities of the Loy Krathong Festival in some areas. Besides, the prime minister expressed his concerns over sky lanterns that might affect aviation in the Loy Krathong Festival in the Thai North, calling on people to beware of airplanes and follow the law. The premier warned, however, if sky lanterns damage aircraft or cause fire, those who release them must be held responsible. Meanwhile, Tourist and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul told journalists that the Thai Cabinet has seriously ordered tight security while her ministry is presenting the Loy Krathong Festival as a tourist activity to show off Thai lifestyles. Marine police have, on the other hand, conducted a rescue exercise to prepare for possible accidents in waterways where people would be releasing their Krathong floats. Marine police would be deployed at venues of Loy Krathong events for the sake of public safety. (TNA)