Chiang Rai News
Giant Lantern Explodes at Ceremony in Chiang Rai
The car was damaged by the blast, and burning remnants of the lantern were entangled in wires hanging from a nearby electric pole – Photo Khaosod
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CHIANG RAI – Police were called to a Governmental Tax office on Den Ha San Khong Noi Road in Mueang Chiang Rai after a car and electric pole were damaged by a lantern filled with homemade explosives.
Police told Khaosod that a car belonging to Saowalak Thep-inpa, 24, was damaged by the blast, and burning remnants of the lantern were entangled in wires hanging from a nearby electric pole.
Sunthree Jaiya, a 52-year-old grocery store owner, said she was cooking when she heard several loud booms.
“I thought it was the electric pole exploding,” she said “Then there were many more explosions.”
Thanorm Phamung, 72-year-old staff at Wat Chetuphon, met with police and told them the lantern was launched from the temple during a religious ceremony. Thanorm Phamung said the temple will compensate anyone who was affected by the incident.
Aviation authorities in Chiang Rai told police that staff at Wat Chetuphon did notify them of the launching of the lantern.
