On Sunday night Pattaya Beach was jam packed with Thai tourists, foreign tourists and locals who thronged to the waters edge to launch their ornate krathongs into the waves and illuminated by a sea of candles and an almost full moon.
There was much joy on the faces of the folks partaking in this ancient ceremony even if they did not know what the true meaning of the ritual is. Tourists know this as a symbol of love casting their krathongs out into the water to cement ever lasting love and granting wishes. The locals usually know the real meaning which is to appease the water Gods.
Smiles were also on the faces of the beach vendors who peddled their expensive now environmentally friendly krathongs to the crowds and providing snacks and the opportunity to sell more than a few souvenirs.
