Incident During the Thai Loy Krathong Festival
In Phuket Province, Thailand, a Burmese worker tragically drowned while retrieving coins from floats during the Loy Krathong Festival. The incident occurred in the Ban Malong neighborhood, Thlan Township, in the early hours of November 16.
The worker, reportedly in his 30s, was collecting coins from krathongs—traditional Thai floats adorned with offerings. According to a local shopkeeper, he fell into the water after being weighed down by a rope attached to a decorative 2-foot dragon float. Despite raising his hands for help, the worker could not be saved.
Rescue Efforts
Search Operation by Local Divers
A rescue team, including four divers, was dispatched to the scene to locate the individual. Despite their efforts, the man was found lifeless. Authorities confirmed that he was a Burmese migrant worker living and working in the area, though his identity remains unknown. 
Multiple Tragic Accidents on the Same Day
This was not an isolated tragedy. On the same day, a 35-year-old man from Ayutthaya Province and an 8-year-old boy from Ubon Ratchathani Province also drowned while collecting coins from floats in different locations across Thailand, as reported by Matichon Thai News.
Traditional Practices and Risks
The Loy Krathong Festival
The Loy Krathong Festival is an annual celebration where people float krathongs into rivers, lakes, and ponds to honor the water goddess and dispel bad luck. Often, coins are added to these floats as offerings or for good fortune.
While the tradition is cherished, it poses safety risks. Every year, accidents occur as individuals dive into the water to retrieve coins.
Growing Concerns and Warnings
Event Organizers Urge Caution
Authorities and event organizers have repeatedly urged the public not to include coins in floats to prevent accidents and avoid harm to aquatic life that might ingest the coins. However, the advice often goes unheeded, as many participants remain tied to superstitious beliefs.
Decline in Coin Offerings
A local vendor shared that the number of coins placed in floats has decreased in recent years.
“Last year, people collected 2,000 to 3,000 baht. This year, it’s down to 200 to 300 baht,” she said, suggesting growing awareness but also frustration among coin collectors.
Preventive Measures Needed
This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for:
- Stronger Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the dangers of placing coins in floats.
- Enhanced Safety Measures: Deployment of lifeguards and divers during the festival.
- Community Responsibility: Encouraging individuals to participate in safer, alternative ways of honoring traditions.
The drowning of the Burmese worker in Phuket serves as a somber reminder of the risks tied to traditional practices. As Thailand cherishes its cultural heritage, greater efforts are needed to ensure that festivals like Loy Krathong remain both safe and meaningful for all participants.
