By : A.Surin Kaewbanfai
English Program
Siam Business Administration Technological College
Loy Krathong is an annual festival that holds great cultural significance and unique charm for Thai people. It is celebrated on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month to uphold traditions and pay respect to the Goddess of Water. Participants float beautifully crafted krathongs (floating baskets made from natural materials) along rivers and canals, hoping to ask for blessings and to symbolically cleanse away misfortune. However, in the digital age, where technology plays an increasingly important role, many communities and organizations have developed a “Digital Loy Krathong Festival” to align with today’s way of life.
What is Digital Loy Krathong? Connecting Tradition with Modernity
The integration of technology into Loy Krathong has made the festival feel fresh and engaging for the younger generation, encouraging them to participate and feel a closer connection to its traditional cultural significance.
Forms of Digital Loy Krathong Celebrations
Today, there are various forms of digital Loy Krathong celebrations, such as:
- Applications and Websites: Some organizations have developed apps and websites where users can virtually float a krathong. These platforms allow users to add personal wishes and customize their krathong’s decorations.
- Social Media: In some areas, Loy Krathong activities are celebrated through social media, where participants post photos of their krathongs or wishes, using specific hashtags to join in the celebration. Participants can also share images or videos of their personal Loy Krathong activities.
At SBAC, activities to uphold the Loy Krathong tradition include the Noppamas Queen Contest, which will be shared on social media. SBAC is also inviting students to create TikTok content under the theme “Dress Thai and Float Krathong” to promote Thai culture. Additionally, students from various high schools who join the event will have the opportunity to design their own krathongs and float them virtually through online platforms.
The Digital Loy Krathong Festival represents a new step in developing festivals to match the current era, allowing people worldwide to participate conveniently and in an eco-friendly way. At the same time, it preserves the original meaning of Loy Krathong, offering a creative new way for people to connect through Thai culture.
“SBAC is proud to be a part of this year’s Digital Loy Krathong Festival celebration.”