The main centre of activities will be at Suan Luang (King Rama IX Park) in Phuket Town, where people will be allowed to float their krathong as well as enjoy music and other live entertainment, and the traditional ‘Nong Noppamas’ contest.
Loy Krathong is an ancient tradition that is observed on the full moon on the 15th day of the 12th lunar month, explained Phuket Town Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas.
“It’s an ancient practice that pays homage to natural waterways and other bodies of water,” he said.
“With the full moon, the moonlight shines brightly at night. It is a beautiful atmosphere ideal for Loy Krathong and helps us to preserve and carry on the good cultural traditions of Thailand for future generations. It also cultivates awareness of value in learning how to preserve water resources,” he added.
The festivities at Suan Luang will begin at 5:30pm under the theme "Watch the moon, full moon day, Loy Krathong, go back in time", Mayor Saroj said.
People are encouraged to enjoy the event as their ancestors did, including joining the festivities in traditional Thai costumes, he added.
There will be a Nong Noppamas (or ‘Noi Noppamas’) contest for girls 4-6 years old and a separate contest for girls 7-11 years old. Parents have until Nov 23 to register their daughters to take part in the contest, Mayor Saroj said.
Prizes are up for grabs for winners in the Nong Noppamas contests. The winner of each contest will receive B3,000, the runner up will receive B2,000 and the second runner-up B1,000. The winner of the People’s Choice Award in each contest will also receive B1,000.
Details for entering the contests can be found at PhuketCity.go.th and on the Phuket City Municipality Facebook page. Alternatively, people can submit applications with the Religion, Arts and Culture Promotion Department of the Education Division at Phuket City Municipality (Tel: 076-212725 ext. 506 and 087-4194713).
The ‘Nong Noppamas’ contests are a Thai tradition held in honour of and tribute to ‘Nang Noppamas’, also known as Rewadin Phamas or Thao Sri Chulalak. The festival traces its roots back to the Sukhothai period.
The legend says that Nang Noppamas lived in Sukhothai when the ancient kingdom was prosperous and full of happiness, with people of different languages and religions all living together.
The most outstanding aspect of Nang Noppamas is that she invented the krathong as a way of paying tribute to the Goddess of the Waters, Mae Kongka, thus creating the Loy Krathong tradition.
Nang Noppamas is also renowned for her outstanding beauty, thus inspiring the Nong Noppamas contests held today.
“We would like to invite everyone to join the Loy Krathong tradition for the year 2023. Join in Loy Krathong and ask for forgiveness from [the river goddess] Mae Kongka and pray for blessings for prosperity for yourself and your family,” Mayor Saroj said.
“Join in watching and encouraging the children and grandchildren taking part in the Nong Noppamas contest at Suan Luang from 5:30pm on Monday, November 27.
“We ask for everyone’s cooperation in only using krathong that are made from natural materials. Join in protecting the environment, to reduce global warming, and join in dressing in ‘retro Thai costumes’ to preserve culture so that the local Loy Krathong tradition will continue to exist,” he added.