Security will be stepped up nationwide during the Loy Krathong festival on Nov 22, Defence Ministry spokesman Kongcheep Tantrawanich said on Thursday.
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, who oversees national security, has ordered that measures to protect the public be heightened during the festival, when people head to ponds and rivers to set a burning candle on a small float adrift.
Meanwhile, joint security teams will be present at major Loy Krathong fairs throughout the provinces.
Lt Gen Kongcheep said authorities are tightly regulating the import and distribution of fire crackers, which are usually banned during the festival.
Popular piers and other areas where Loy Krathong celebrants go to set their krathong adrift will also be checked for strength and safety, he said.
