Thread: Have a Low-key Loy Krathong Friday or Face Arrest

By Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter - October 31, 2017 12:19 pm



Miss Grand International contestants raise a sky lantern September 2014 in Sukhothai province.

BANGKOK — Festivities for Friday’s Loy Krathong will be low-key with the usual fireworks, sparklers and sky lanterns prohibited.

Bangkok Gov. Aswin Kwanmuang said Monday that only “polite celebrations” can be organized for this year’s festival, which comes just days after mourning for King Rama IX ended. Anyone who ignites fireworks, sparklers or other prohibited items face up to three years in prison and a 60,000 baht fine.

“Lumphini Park and other BMA parks will be open for people to float their krathong, but there will be no fairs or festivals held,” Urewan Taonoi, a spokeswoman for Lumphini Park said by phone Tuesday.

Urewan confirmed there will be no fireworks or other tell-tale signs of festivities at Bangkok’s public parks. Lumphini Park, usually closed by 9pm, will stay open until midnight.

Similarly scaled-down Loy Krathong events will be held in 30 other capital city public parks. The main celebration will be 5pm to midnight in the Bang Phlat district, under the Thonburi side of the Rama VIII Bridge.

People will not be allowed to float krathong at the Nongbon Water Sports Center and King Rama IX, Queen Sirikit, Benjakitti and Vachara Phirom parks.

Aswin also made the usual appeal for people to float krathongs made of organic materials such as bread, banana and corn stalks rather than foam, and limit themselves to one krathong per household, since the morning-after flotsam clogs waterways year after year.

One year ago, festivities were completely canceled and the holiday reduced to only floating krathongs in the wake of King Bhumibol’s death.

Already gotten in the festival’s romantic spirit? Attend a viral meme event where you can float krathong at the Rama VIII Bridge until someone asks if you’ve come alone.

If hooking up with strangers isn’t your bag, then feel free to cue a Loy Krathong playlist at home.

Have a Low-Key Loy Krathong Friday or Face Arrest

Originally Posted by Wilsonandson

Bangkok Gov. Aswin Kwanmuang said Monday that only “polite celebrations” can be organized for this year’s festival,

“Lumphini Park and other BMA parks will be open for people to float their krathong, but there will be no fairs or festivals held,” Urewan Taonoi, a spokeswoman for Lumphini Park said by phone Tuesday.

Urewan confirmed there will be no fireworks or other tell-tale signs of festivities at Bangkok’s public parks. Lumphini Park, usually closed by 9pm, will stay open until midnight.

Similarly scaled-down Loy Krathong events will be held in 30 other capital city public parks. The main celebration will be 5pm to midnight in the Bang Phlat district, under the Thonburi side of the Rama VIII Bridge.

People will not be allowed to float krathong at the Nongbon Water Sports Center and King Rama IX, Queen Sirikit, Benjakitti and Vachara Phirom parks.

Only in Bangkok then. Everybody else carry on regardless.

Originally Posted by Neverna

Only in Bangkok then. Everybody else carry on regardless.

Yep.
Some need to widen their skills of observation.

Originally Posted by Neverna

Only in Bangkok then. Everybody else carry on regardless.

Seems that way here in the village. 3 nights of activities culminating with a beauty contest after the floating 'baskets' on Friday.

What a killjoy the governor is. We are having a big party down near the canal with dancing girls, a firework show, loy krathong competition and a big food market with lots of stalls and maybe a few are selling cans of beer.

Why can't they leave people alone. We've all done our bit, now it's time to let our hair down and enjoy a night out. Or is this country under Muslim Rule all of a sudden. If they carry on it will be easier to party in Saudi Arabia than Bangkok.

Land of smiles? Is there anything to look forward too governor?

I seem to remember that they banned them in CM last year because of the risk of bringing down an airliner.

Have they forgotten about that now?

Ah well it seems they've given up on the ban; I'm not surprised as the somchais don't listen anyway.

In 2015 it was a total ban (well an attempted one). Last year they just tried restricting it (including a ban on "Betting on Lanterns" ?!).

I added that historical information as it seems Jeff didn't have a fucking clue as usual and redded me for, what was it:

Oh, do fvck off - you haven't a clue regarding Thai things.

You learned something new again today eh Jeff?

In other news, Tiffy isn't Meth.

CHIANG MAI: Airlines will cancel 78 flights through Chiang Mai airport on Friday and Saturday to avoid the danger posed by floating sky lanterns during the traditional Yi Peng Festival.Chiang Mai airport general manager Gp Cpt Manathanik Rakngam said on Monday airlines had informed the airport of the cancellation of 58 domestic and 20 international flights over the two days.
Domestic airlines will also reschedule 53 flights and international carriers 26 flights during the same period, he added.
The annual Lanna-style Loy Krathong Festival is highlighted by the launch of sky lanterns. It is held throughout the northern region. Release times for the flying lanterns have been limited, and areas designated where they cannot be flown, for the safety of aircraft.
In Chiang Mai, the province allows the hot-air lanterns to be flown from 7pm on Friday to 1am on Saturday, and smoke lanterns to take off from 10am to noon on Saturday.
Gp Cpt Manathanik said the airport has reminded all organisers they must strictly follow the time restrictions. Airport authorities will step up routine checks from Tuesday to Sunday to ensure all lanterns are cleared away from the runway.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/tra...ntern-festival

So is the 1 year mourning not over yet?

Originally Posted by Wilsonandson

Or is this country under Muslim Rule all of a sudden. If they carry on it will be easier to party in Saudi Arabia than Bangkok.

Fok off to Saudi then, we'll crowd fund a one-way ticket.

BANGKOK, 1 November 2017 (NNT) – The Ministry of Interior is strictly regulating the use of fireworks and lanterns during Loy Krathong festival and calling on organizers at venues to strictly comply with the law.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed concerns over the safety and well-being of the general public on Loy Krathong Day, as fire accidents due to fireworks and lanterns might typically occur, causing hazards to lives and damage to property.

Government spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the premier had ordered provincial offices of the Ministry of Interior to issue fireworks and lanterns regulation as guideline for respective district chiefs to consider allowing the use of fireworks and lanterns in their jurisdiction.

District chiefs will not be able to allow any launching of fireworks or lanterns without a provincial guideline, while the igniting and releasing of fireworks and lanterns require prior permission from the respective district chiefs. Alleged violators will be faced with a maximum of three years in prison, or a maximum of 60,000 baht in fine, or both.

Manufacturers and retailers of fireworks and lanterns are yet to strictly comply with the regulation or have their businesses suspended.

The premier also ordered all provinces to patrol entertainment venues, transport stations, and piers to prevent accident from fireworks and lanterns, as well as ensuring the weight limit at each pontoon will be respected for safety reasons.

"The government is asking organizers of Loy Krathong events to exercise their discretion and to not encourage the use of fireworks and lanterns which may pose danger to the general public and aviation, and is asking the general public and retailers to obey the regulations for the safety of themselves and others."

National News Bureau Of Thailand | Fireworks regulation strictly imposed for Loy Krathong festival

Originally Posted by Kurgen

So is the 1 year mourning not over yet?

Was at my local village government hospital yesterday and all the office staff were still wearing black. It looks like they're trying to faze it out rather cancelling it straight away.

Originally Posted by stroller

Fok off to Saudi then, we'll crowd fund a one-way ticket.

Is this what teakdoor is all about now!
Having a go at fellow members.

Easy to do that. Thanks.

Originally Posted by misskit

BANGKOK, 1 November 2017 (NNT) – The Ministry of Interior is strictly regulating the use of fireworks and lanterns during Loy Krathong festival and calling on organizers at venues to strictly comply with the law.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed concerns over the safety and well-being of the general public on Loy Krathong Day, as fire accidents due to fireworks and lanterns might typically occur, causing hazards to lives and damage to property.

Government spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the premier had ordered provincial offices of the Ministry of Interior to issue fireworks and lanterns regulation as guideline for respective district chiefs to consider allowing the use of fireworks and lanterns in their jurisdiction.

District chiefs will not be able to allow any launching of fireworks or lanterns without a provincial guideline, while the igniting and releasing of fireworks and lanterns require prior permission from the respective district chiefs. Alleged violators will be faced with a maximum of three years in prison, or a maximum of 60,000 baht in fine, or both.

Manufacturers and retailers of fireworks and lanterns are yet to strictly comply with the regulation or have their businesses suspended.

The premier also ordered all provinces to patrol entertainment venues, transport stations, and piers to prevent accident from fireworks and lanterns, as well as ensuring the weight limit at each pontoon will be respected for safety reasons.

"The government is asking organizers of Loy Krathong events to exercise their discretion and to not encourage the use of fireworks and lanterns which may pose danger to the general public and aviation, and is asking the general public and retailers to obey the regulations for the safety of themselves and others."

National News Bureau Of Thailand | Fireworks regulation strictly imposed for Loy Krathong festival

Is this a dictat using section 44 powers or has this new law been published in the Royal Gazette? Or have they got around the law making process in a novel way?

Originally Posted by Neverna

Is this a dictat using section 44 powers or has this new law been published in the Royal Gazette? Or have they got around the law making process in a novel way?

It's another way to show the people whose in charge.

I agree with the fireworks ban though. But not for an organised fireworks event. The ban on selling to the public has prevented many accidents.

Originally Posted by Wilsonandson

I agree with the fireworks ban though. But not for an organised fireworks event

Fireworks have been okay for funerals. No change there.

A visiting friend was stopped last night here on Phuket as he had a few fireworks in his basket, not for Loy Kratong, but to celebrate my birthday He's only here for a fortnight and knew nothing of this ban. He was let off with a warning. I don't believe for one moment this has anything to do with 'phasing out' but dragging out, given the fact that their raison detre is no more.

Originally Posted by Wilsonandson

It's another way to show the people whose in charge.

I agree with the fireworks ban though. But not for an organised fireworks event. The ban on selling to the public has prevented many accidents.

The ban on fireworks harks back to over 15 years ago. A lot of Thai towns and villages were engaged and employed in illegal fireworks production, with varying degrees of predictable mishaps and accidents.
It took the whole town of Mahachai (SW Bangkok) to explode, with horrific casualties and damage, to get the law changed. Still enforced quite rigidly now, which is an indictment of how bad Mahachai was..

November 8, 2000

An explosion at a fireworks stall in Samut Sakhon�s Mahachai market kills two people and injures 84, 12 seriously. The blast also destroys 20 motorcycles, a car and a pickup truck, and damages a hotel"

Two firework factories exploded in China and Thailand, page 1

The damage was a lot worse than official reports, according to the missus who comes from around there.

The sight of those lanterns flying over Refinery Oil Storage Tank Farms in Rayong is also a lovely spectacle..

Originally Posted by tamsin

A visiting friend was stopped last night as he had a few fireworks in his basket. He was let off.

That must have been quite a spectacle.

Originally Posted by Wilsonandson

If they carry on it will be easier to party in Saudi Arabia than Bangkok.

Dude you do love to go over the top... So clear why you are banned at TV.

Originally Posted by cyrille

That must have been quite a spectacle.

Originally Posted by cyrille

That must have been quite a spectacle.

shit i need to up my meds,, had to read and study that to get it,, i could see there was a quip there somewhere, very funny.

Originally Posted by kmart

The ban on fireworks harks back to over 15 years ago. A lot of Thai towns and villages were engaged and employed in illegal fireworks production, with varying degrees of predictable mishaps and accidents.
It took the whole town of Mahachai (SW Bangkok) to explode, with horrific casualties and damage, to get the law changed. Still enforced quite rigidly now, which is an indictment of how bad Mahachai was..
Two firework factories exploded in China and Thailand, page 1

The damage was a lot worse than official reports, according to the missus who comes from around there.

The sight of those lanterns flying over Refinery Oil Storage Tank Farms in Rayong is also a lovely spectacle..

I skipped it last year and apparently it was muted, but anyone who has stood at Thae Pae on NYE would be surprised to hear that there is a firework ban!

^Yep. Mom and Pop shops all sell them under the counter. Thankfully mostly just Chinese imports, whizz-bang squibs.

Originally Posted by kmart

^Yep. Mom and Pop shops all sell them under the counter. Thankfully mostly just Chinese imports, whizz-bang squibs.

No, there were (or were two years and the years preceding that) two specialist firework shops in Warorot market, selling everything from sparklers to things that looked big enough to use in an artillery campaign.