Loy Kratong
 

Another reminder that despite evidence to the contrary, Thailand is still stuck in medieval times. Can you believe it? - in BKK Post today, the Govt has cancelled Loy Kratong (17th Nov) because the mounring period for the Patriach has been extended until 23rd November.

They're not even going to consider a new date to hold it until after 23rd.

Despite being one of the country's major tourist events, with tens of thousands of people planning visits and booking hotels, flights etc, it's just cancelled 2 weeks out. Do we cancel Christmas if the Pope dies? Christ no!

Good call ! Certainly it would hard to tell that Pattaya is officially in mourning. The party is in full swing every-where and Jomtien beach is getting quite crowded under clear blue skies.

Oh, and the Russians are back :(

Loy krathong - 2556be. -
 

-- This year Loy Krathong will occur on sunday, 17 nov.; will this mean that the monday will be an offical 'Off day.' for gov't. offices, for large companies and suchlike? -- :)

No. Loy Krathong has never been a national holiday.

Monday after sunday's lk. Fest'l. ...
 

-- Icon,
- Thank you for yr. reply.
- Well, we'll see just how busy BKK. might be on the monday. -- :)

I'm on pins and needles.

So, was it quieter than usual in Bangkok today? I'm not around so don't know.

Don't know about BKK (except for the photo in BKK Post of the King lighting a Kratong) , but Jomtien was packed with the usual total traffic jams getting to 'from the beach, and so many rising Kratong they were colliding and bursting into flames - or being shot down by huge fireworks. Thais love any excuse for a party, and that never changes :)