On 24 October 2014, Ms Ekajit Kraivichien, Chargé d' Affaires a.i. led officials from the Royal Thai Embassy and Team Thailand to participate in “Loy Kratong 2014” festival at Town Plaza, UTown, National University of Singapore, organised by Thai Language Program of National University of Singapore. The event featured many activities including lantern floating, traditional Thai dance and music performance, Thai live band performance, singing and cooking competition. The Embassy took part in sponsoring the cultural performance and Team Thailand also prepared Thai food to join the celebration.

 

             In the opening remark, Ms Ekajit highlighted the significance of Loy Kratong festival in Thailand and its relationship with the Thai way of life. She expressed her appreciation to the organiser of the festival, which includes students and teachers from Thailand and Singapore as well as the support from NUS, for their contribution in promoting Thai culture in Singapore.

 

            Traditionally, Thai people celebrate Loy Kratong to pay respect to the goddess of water in gratitude for providing water to the people, and as an appeal for forgiveness for polluting the water. Thai people also believe that their miseries will be taken away by the floating their lanterns into the water.  Loy Kratong festival therefore illustrates the close relationship between the Thai way of life and water. It is also a social event that brings people in the community closer to a festive celebration of Thai music, dance and food.