Chiang Mai, one of the most popular destinations for the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng festivals this weekend, has reintroduced no-fly zones for floating lanterns in six districts, to prevent possible disruption to aviation.
Flights in and out of Chiang Mai International Airport have been adjusted for safety reasons. Flights initially scheduled to operate after 7pm on Friday and Saturday have either been rescheduled or cancelled, to avoid the lanterns.
Ronnakorn Chalermsanyakorn, director of Chiang Mai International Airport, said 170 flights, both domestic and international, are affected by these changes.
The presence of hundreds of floating lanterns could disrupt aviation and, when they fall to ground, they have the potential to cause fires.
Chiang Mai’s deputy governor, Siva Thamikanon, stated flying lanterns are banned in:
- Muang Chiang Mai (all sub-districts)
- Hang Dong (all sub-districts)
- San Sai (Nong Harn sub-district)
- Mae Rim (Donkaew sub-district, Muang Kaew, Rim Tai, Mae Sa, Rim Nue)
- San Patong (Tung Tom sub-district)
Any release of lanterns outside the restricted zones requires approval at least one month in advance, the deputy governor said.
A total of 62,000 lanterns have been permitted to fly in this year’s festivals.
Violators of the ban or those without prior approval face a jail term of up to five years and/or a fine not exceeding 200,000 baht on conviction. If a lantern causes a fire, the owner will face imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of up to 140,000 baht on conviction.
It is estimated that more than 300,000 tourists will visit Chiang Mai during the festivals, generating income of about Bt1 billion.
