Florists were today preparing for Thailand's annual Buddhist Loy Krathong celebrations.

Footage from Ang Thong province shows traders selling flowers and banana leaves, which are used to make floating baskets to release on lakes, rivers and in the sea.

The annual celebration honouring the Buddhist goddess of water sees millions of people float 'Krathong' baskets to bring good luck for the year ahead.

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.