LOY KRATHONG Romance, alcohol and a little sex

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Thai youth cautioned on social ills during Loy Krathong festival  
Bangkok Post: 7 Nov 2008
LOY KRATHONG Romance, alcohol and a little sex

A romantic night with one's beloved, a touch of alcohol and sex _ these are what people have in mind for the night of Loy Krathong, an Abac poll revealed yesterday.

The festival, in which Thais float a krathong on a river to apologise for the harm done to the river goddess and seek her blessings, falls on Nov 12 this year.

Of 2,411 respondents, aged 15-45, surveyed from Oct 20 to 31, the majority said they had plans for what they would do after floating their krathong.

About 14% plan to spend time with their partner, 11% will go out drinking and 5% will have sex.

''Most respondents, 44%, believe teenagers will have sex on Loy Krathong day and drink alcohol,'' Thai Health Promotion Foundation deputy manager Kritsada Ruang-arirat said.

He was speaking at the launch of a campaign for a ''happy, safe and booze-free Loy Krathong''.

The primary concerns for youngsters raised in the survey are drinking alcohol, confrontations, firecrackers, smoking and street racing.

About 36% acknowledged the liquor industry funded Loy Krathong activities, with more than half saying they did not trust the industry to show good faith and uphold Thai culture.

It just wanted to boost sales and their image.

Sithichai Jindaluang, secretary to the Local Administration Department, said 7,853 grassroots bodies were told to promote Thai culture and ensure a booze-free Loy Krathong festival.

The agencies would issue an order, specifying locations where alcohol could be sold, he said.

Social Development and Human Security Minister Udomdej Rattanasathien yesterday raised concern over the behaviour of young people on Loy Krathong day.

Many youths went out to celebrate the festival with friends in ''improper clothing'' such as tank tops and short pants which make them susceptible to sexual harassment, he said.

The minister was also concerned young people would have unprotected sex on the night that could land them in trouble from the risk of HIV infection to unwanted pregnancies.

Mr Udomdej urged Thais to uphold the original purpose of the festival which is to pay respect to the river goddess.