The annual event attracts at least 70,000 pilgrims and results in about 25 tonnes of garbage being left along the route, with most of it styrofoam food containers and plastic bottles, said Paisal Surathamwit, secretary to the municipality’s mayor.

He said it was hoped that setting up the food stations would reduce the litter.

The Doi Suthep-Pui National Park has launched a campaign urging pilgrims to leave their litter at the Huai Kaew checkpoint between 10pm and 2am on the day.

Doing so places them in a lucky draw, with the top prize bicycles.