Safety checks at piers, barges prior to Loy Krathong Festival in Thailand

BANGKOK, October 31 (TNA) - Authorities are operating thorough checks at local piers and barges prior to the Loy Krathong Festival 2017 in Thailand, which falls on November 3, to uphold public safety. In Bangkok, Governor Police General Asawin Kwanmuang told journalists on October 30 that officials of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will work together with their counterparts from other relevant agencies to thoroughly inspect piers and barges in all 11 districts in the capital on November 1, timely for welcoming locals and international tourists for the upcoming Loy Krathong Festival 2017 in order to maintain and publicize Thailand's traditional culture and ways of life of local people. The Bangkok governor said an initial check has found that about 190 piers and barges in the capital are in good order and he has ordered that clear signs must be put at those found not to be in their perfect conditions. Besides, the governor noted, he has ordered to limit the number of people who will float their krathongs in each round at a pier or a barge at 20 per cent lower than the full loading capacity of each pier or each barge. The Bangkok governor revealed that close circuit televisions (CCTVs) installed in the capital will also be thoroughly checks to ensure their proper functions, including about 30 of which installed under the King Rama VIII Bridge in the Thonburi side, the main area where the BMA will organize its Loy Krathong Festival on the coming Friday night, along with some other 30 public parks in the capital where there are ponds for people to float their krathongs. According to the Bangkok governor, people are asked to be dressed politely and are prohibited from playing with firecrackers, fireworks, with violators to be taken legal action, as the one-year mourning period for late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has just ended. Meanwhile, the BMA's main Loy Krathong event under the King Rama VIII in Bang Plat area in the Thonburi side will be opened for public visits from 5pm to 12pm on November 3, during which ancient markets where, among other goods, ancient toys will be also on display, will be organized, together with a krathong making contest, a demonstration on the krathong making and the sale of quality products from all 11 districts in Bangkok, including food and handicraft products, at over 70 booths, as well as Thai cultural shows. (TNA)