SUKHOTHAI: The Royal Candle Festival, part of the Loi Krathong celebrations, commenced with a grand ceremony in Sukhothai Province as Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, inaugurated the event by floating the royal lantern. This marked the beginning of the Candle and Firework Festival, a cherished cultural celebration in the region.

According to Thai News Agency, the ceremony saw the participation of Mr. Noppharit Sirikosol, Deputy Governor and Acting Governor of Sukhothai Province, who floated the royal candles of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. Additionally, Mr. Ekkachai Norachin floated the royal candles of Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana. Following this, the royal candles of nine members of the Royal Family were floated sequentially. The heads of various departments also took part by floating royal candles at Sa Traphang Trakuan, Wat Sa Si, inside Sukhothai Historical Park.

Subsequently, locals and tourists gathered to float Krathongs and were treated to a specta
cular fireworks display, illuminating the sky from the four principal gates. This display echoed the historical inscription about Sukhothai’s gates, which notes, ‘Sukhothai has four main gates, people crowd together to watch them burn candles and play with fire. Sukhothai feels like it will break,’ making the sky above the park, the venue for the Loi Krathong and Candle Festival, a vibrant spectacle.