CHIANG MAI (NNT) - Authorities in many northern provinces are stepping up their crackdown on criminal activities, ahead of the annual Loy Krathong festival, while keeping a close watch on the use of fireworks and firecrackers.


In Chiang Mai province, the Assistant Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, Pol. Lt. Gen. Chinnapat Sarasin, presided over the launch of the anti-crime operation ahead of Loy Krathong. The event was attended by the Governor of Chiang Mai, Charoenrit Sa-nguansat, heads of state agencies, administrative, police and military officers and volunteers.


Loy Krathong is often celebrated together with Yee Peng, a Lanna festival. This year, the festival will be celebrated on October 31, and many residents and tourists are expect to release floating baskets and launch lanterns in different areas.

Relevant agencies have made preparations to deal with traffic congestion and the use of fireworks, firecrackers and lanterns, while protecting members of the public and tourists from theft and other crimes.


The Governor of Chiang Rai, Prajon Prachsakul, presided over the launch of another anti-crime operation, taking place in all 18 districts of the province. The operation is being jointly conducted by 300 personnel from the 37th Military Circle, the Third Cavalry Division, the Phamuang Force, the Border Patrol Police, the Immigration Police, the Tourist Police, the Highway Police, the Chiang Rai Disaster Mitigation and Prevention Office, the administrative sector, the Norasingh team and Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital.


An anti-crime operation was also launched in the northern province of Lamphun. The Governor of Lamphun, Worayut Naowarat, presided over the event. Security officers are to patrol different venues at night, to ensure the safety of people and tourists.

On October 31, Phra That Hariphunchai Temple, in Lamphun, will organize the 100,000 Lanterns festival. Officers will be deployed to address traffic and safety issues in different areas and to take other precautionary measures.

National News Bureau Of Thailand