SOME of the kratongs were actually wetter before they went into the lake than afterwards at Saphan Hin last night.

But rain could not possibly dampen the enthusiasm of those who turned out for the Loy Kratong ceremony.

The beauty of Phuket City's seaside public park is the vastness of the space. Kratongs were being made all over the park in the leadup to nightfall.

Lotus lanterns lit the pathways and groups of families and friends, and even a group from a children's home, picnicked along the grass.

And at Saphan Hin, there was a parade, with brass bands, beautiful traditional costumes, sparkling head gear and fluttering Thai flags.

But almost from the moment the first kratong was placed in the water and the first dreams rose skywards, the rain came down.

Perhaps it's a sign that 2009 may not be as sunny as everybody hopes. Perhaps it just means the grass in the park will grow well for next loy kratong.