Cloudy skies and bad weather may dampen the much anticipated Yi Peng Festival this year as continuous rainfall is causing the Ping River to overflow and flood some Loy Krathong piers. Despite the conditions, officials are continuing with event preparations, urging locals and tourists to exercise caution to prevent accidents and falls into the river. Safety teams have been deployed to monitor and assist in risk-prone areas.
Persistent rains over recent days has led to rising water levels in the Ping River. Coinciding with the start of the Yi Peng Festival today, several designated Loy Krathong spots — including temporary piers set up by Chiang Mai Municipality — are now flooded, with strong river currents posing additional hazards.
This evening (4th November 2025), municipal officials pressed on with setting up festival venues, particularly along both sides of the Ping River near the White Chedi and the Chiang Mai Municipality Office — a key point where the krathong parade will stop and where crowds of residents and visitors are expected to gather. Despite the rain and partial flooding at some piers, officials continued decorating the area with Lanna lanterns to preserve the festival’s charm for tonight’s opening.
Municipal authorities have also stationed emergency response and rescue teams at various points along the river to assist in case of accidents. With water levels remaining high, water rescue equipment has been placed near temporary piers, and Chiang Mai’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation team is on-site to ensure public safety. Officials are reminding visitors to be cautious when floating krathongs near the riverbanks, especially parents with young children, and are urging everyone to remain vigilant and cooperate for a safe and enjoyable celebration.
