Tightened security for Loy Krathong festival

BANGKOK, Oct 30 (TNA) -- The Marine Department together with other agencies are imposing tight security measures to ensure public safety in the lead-up to the Loy Krathong festival early next month. Representatives of the Marine Department, the police, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and passenger boat operators met to discuss safety measures ahead of the Loy Krathong festival on Nov 3. The Marine Department ordered all cargo boats to stop operation in the section of the Chao Phraya River between Rama VII and Rama IX bridges from 4pm to midnight in order to keep the water surface still for the activity of laying Krathong flower baskets and for public safety. About 1,600 tourist police will check major piers nationwide to ensure that boat operators keep their load limits while fireworks are banned on passenger boats. About 200 tourist police will be deployed for the mission in Bangkok. The Chao Phraya River is rising and affecting houses on both banks. The Marine Department ordered operators to slow down their boats or to be fined for up to 5,000 baht. The operators have cooperated well. (TNA)