Every year, as the full moon of the twelfth lunar month lights up the sky, people across Thailand celebrate Loy Krathong, one of the country’s most beautiful traditions. However, behind the shimmering candlelight floating on rivers and seas lies an environmental problem that many may not realize.
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The Hidden Impact Beneath the Water
After the celebration, thousands of krathongs—many made from foam, plastic, or materials that don’t decompose—are left floating in rivers and canals. These eventually wash into the Andaman Sea, causing severe harm to marine life. Turtles, fish, and other sea creatures often mistake krathong decorations for food, leading to injury or death.
Each year, tons of waste are collected from waterways after the festival. Even biodegradable krathongs can affect water quality and aquatic habitats when used in excessive numbers.
Choose Eco-Friendly Ways to Celebrate
To preserve the beauty of the festival while protecting nature, consider these sustainable options:
- 🌿 Use natural materials such as banana leaves, bread, or flowers instead of foam or plastic.
- 💧 Float fewer krathongs — focus on intention, not quantity.
- ♻️ Join clean-up activities after the festival to help collect waste and protect rivers.
- 🌍 Support eco-friendly campaigns such as “Save the River” or community river clean-ups.
Love Andaman’s “Save the River” Mission
This year, Love Andaman invites everyone to celebrate in a way that gives back to nature — not pollutes it.
Instead of floating hundreds of krathongs, our team took part in a clean-up project along the rivers and coastlines to reduce the waste that would otherwise flow into the ocean. Because protecting the sea begins with every river that feeds into it.
Together, we can make the Loy Krathong Festival not only beautiful but truly sustainable — a celebration of gratitude and respect for the water that sustains us all.
Eco-Friendly tour with us Love Andaman 💙
Similan Day trip
Surin Islands Day trip
Phi Phi Island + Bamboo