Some confusing messages of late from Thai government regarding this years Loy Krathong festival. First, then announced it was postponed due to the passing of Supreme Patriarch.

 

Now, seems it is not postponed...

 

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/376938/loy-krathong-gets-go-ahead-from-govt

That is good news especially for those lucky enough to be in Chiang Mai for the festival.  I always found it far more beautiful then Bangkok or Pattaya for this celebration!

As Loy Krathong is eagerly anticipated and enjoyed by Thais that would have been a real shame had it been cancelled.

 

Just a word on the Supreme Patriarch. I had a quick look at his lifetime achievements a few days ago and was concerned to note that he had been in very poor health since around about late '90's and been hospitalised for a decade. I don't wish to detract from the official period of mourning, but really and truly this leader of the Buddhist monastic order was a shadow of his former self for a great many years before he died. I don't know exactly what the Supreme Patriarch's role in Thai Buddhism is: if it's a bit similar to the Pope, an ailing patriarch cannot be a good thing; on the other hand if this position doesn't require day to day decision-making then the mere fact the incumbent is alive may be sufficient.

 

It seems to me we have seen a big increase lately in the numbers of 'bad monks'. No doubt there have always been such people, but it does seem to be reported a lot more now. Is that because of more openness in the Thai press or is it an actual fact? If there really are more badly behaving monks then IMO whoever is the newly appointed Supreme Patriarch has a tough job on his hands. 

That is good news especially for those lucky enough to be in Chiang Mai for the festival. 

And especially for those who've saved their money all year to come halfway around the world for this.