Northern Thailand
Loy Krathong Events Permits Denied in Chiang Mai Over Flight Safety
The annual Loy Krathong Festival, widely known in Chiang Mai as Yee Peng Festival. Its highlighted by people launching flying lanterns into the sky so as to be rid of bad luck.
The two events would have released a total of 5,000 flying lanterns during the upcoming Loy Krathong Festival.
The two events were at – one at the Hidden Village and the other at the Royal Park Rajapruek. – The Loy Krathong events were deemed to be within the air navigation safety zone.
Releasing hot-air flying lanterns would be a violation of the Thailand Air Navigation Act. Which has been in effect since May 26, 2019. District chief Weerapan Dee-on noted the violation carries a penalty of a maximum five-year imprisonment; and/or a maximum Bt200,000 fine.
The ban stems from the Chiang Mai governor’s policy that require the Chiang Mai Airport approves events within the official air navigation safety zone.
The governor instructed the district chiefs to ask the airport authority to confirm whether Loy Krathong event locations were within their jurisdiction. Permits to release flying lanterns during Loy Krathong are required. If they fall within the restricted zone they would be immediately revoked.
The annual Loy Krathong Festival, widely known in Chiang Mai as Yee Peng Festival. Its highlighted by people launching flying lanterns into the sky so as to be rid of bad luck.
The Lanterns pose a danger to aviation, the release time periods and locations have been limited.
Teens Warned Over Having Sex During Loy Krathong Festival
Last year the Public Health Ministry warned Teenagers not to engage in inappropriate sexual behavior or unsafe sex during the Loy Krathong Festival.
Dr Bancha Khakhong said that young people usually hang out or attend booze-drinking parties during Loy Krathong. This impairs their judgement and self-control and poses a risk of unprotected sex.
Which could lead to unwanted pregnancy and STDs. Dr.Bancha urged boys to be responsible and use condoms.
Young women could also obtain emergency birth-control pills sold over-counter to reduce the chance of pregnancy.
“The best way is to restrain one’s emotion, refrain from sex or have protected sex. – and to be aware of the issue of premature sex and subsequent problems,” Dr. Bancha said.
