The Loy Krathong festival on Wednesday will generate about 6.54 billion baht in tourism revenue, with about 1.91 million Thai tourists expected to participate nationwide, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
This year’s celebrations will adopt a more subdued tone, with entertainment activities suspended to encourage Thais to mark the festival with reverence and in remembrance of the late Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.
TAT will host its flagship ‘Maha Loy Krathong’ events in two key provinces, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, with supporting festivities in five additional places – Bangkok, Samut Songkhram, Chiang Mai, Tak and Roi Et. These seven provinces are expected to attract 430,000 visitors and generate at least 2 billion baht in revenue, Ms Thapanee said.
All venues have adjusted their events to align with the national mourning period, cancelling fireworks and focusing instead on elegant, meaningful cultural activities.
Ms Thapanee said the government’s Khon La Khrueng Plus co-payment scheme has played a key role in stimulating spending in both major and secondary cities.
While high living costs and household debts were negative factors, she expressed confidence that the tranquil mood and cultural appeal of the festival would encourage more Thais to travel.
‘TAT warmly invites the public to celebrate Loy Krathong with joy and mindfulness, and to help preserve the elegance of Thai traditions for generations to come,’ the TAT governor said.
Chiang Mai busy
Paisarn Sukjarean, president of the upper northern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association, said hotels in Muang Chiang Mai are expected to secure 100% occupancy during the Yi Peng festival, a floating lantern event that coincides with Loy Krathong each year, on Nov 5 and 6.
He said room rates have risen by 10-15% thanks to foreign tourists, especially European markets who booked rooms 3-6 months ago.
Although the festival’s tone has been adjusted, foreign tourists are still keen to participate in unique events and mostly choose hotels in Chiang Mai city, while locals prefer properties in mountainous areas, said Mr Paisarn.
Despite the sluggish economy, he said Chiang Mai should still record a healthy high season, as many hotels already report 60% confirmed bookings between November 2025 and January 2026.
The city also expects a surge from new markets such as the Middle East thanks to a new direct flight from Abu Dhabi by Etihad Airways.