Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha today re-opened the country's Khaosan Road for a Halloween party.

The popular backpacker destination closed earlier year while undergoing renovations and remained shut due to the pandemic, which has prevented international tourists from arriving.

However, ministers are keen to see the area busy again and re-opened today with a lively celebration marking Halloween and the Buddhist Loy Krathong festival.

Prayut Chan-o-cha gave a speech expressing his hope for the future of the street, which is unlikely to see backpackers or holidaymakers again until next year due to travel restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

There were street food tents, live music and crafts for sale as locals flocked back to the area, many of them wearing Halloween outfits.

Loy Krathong, also spelt Loi Krathong, is said to have started in the 12th century in the ancient Thai kingdom.

Meaning ''to float a basket," it follows the Buddhist belief of paying respect to water spirits.

Since the last century, it has been celebrated annually throughout the Kingdom of Thailand and neighbouring countries.

The festival takes place full moon in the evening with a full moon in the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar.

The exact date changes according to the moon and calendar but this year is on the same day as Halloween.