The boat and pier safety campaign was announced yesterday (Nov 24) by Phuket Marine Office Chief Nachapong Pranit, who instructed port staff, boat operators, and relevant officials to ensure that safety measures are observed in marine transport and on all piers. The latter are a common place for local people to set their krathongs afloat on the day of the festival.
Among the boat safety rules to be observed are that all vessels must not carry more passengers than permitted, and all safety equipment, including life buoys and safety vests, should be fully functional and adequate for the number of people on board.
Special emphasis was placed on preventing fires from krathongs, as people often set them afloat with lit candles. Mr Nachapong also stressed that all fireworks, as well as floating lanterns, are banned during Loy Krathong unless specific permission is granted by officials.
Local officials began inspecting boat operators and piers yesterday, but as of Nov 25 morning, no violations have been reported. The only festival-related case (though not related to safety) was the erection of a small wooden pier by a Sakhu official for Loy Krathong celebrations in Nai Yang.
The structure was built within the Sirinath National Park boundaries, and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNP) ordered local officials to demolish it, according to Phuket Info Center.