Loy Krathong: Set off fireworks in Bangkok and face jail, says governor Aswin

[webfact]

Picture: Daily News

 

General Aswin Kwanmuang told a press conference yesterday that people could go to jail if they set off fireworks, lanterns or firecrackers without permission at the upcoming Loy Krathong celebration on November 19th.

 

The festival is expected to attract large numbers of Thais and foreign tourists to many areas but especially around the Chao Phraya River, reported Daily News yesterday. 

 

But Aswin noted that every year people are injured or killed by fireworks and there is damage to property.

 

He asked for the co-operation of the general public and warned producers and distributors about the law.

 

This allows for a jail term of 3 years and/or 60,000 baht fine for setting off fireworks without permission.

 

The use of Chinese firecrackers is also prohibited with 3 months jail and/or 6,000 baht fines for violators. 

 

Aswin said that BMA staff would be monitoring areas on the night of the celebration and checking up on the sale and distribution of fireworks in the next few weeks. 

 

Loy Krathong is a fairly modern festival based on a tradition stretching back to the days of the Sukhothai kingdom in the 13th centure. 

 

Little boats or Krathongs containing such items as flowers, leaves, joss-sticks and candles are floated on waterways to thank the water goddess Mae Konka for providing water and apologize for polluting it.

 

Though many of the boats these days are made of environmentally friendly bread there is always a massive clean up operation after the festival. 

 

The lack of safety shown in the use of fireworks also leaves many visitors to Thailand dumbfounded, coming from countries that have long since banned their use except at public displays. 

 

-- © Copyright  ASEAN NOW 2021-11-04

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

- Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

 

Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

[Thailand]

Another little treat for tourists, jail time.

[Geoffggi]

Welcome to "NO FUN THAILAND" ..........................LOL

[kelboy]

Happynes. 

[Gsxrnz]

A perfect opportunity for mass social disobedience.

[sapson]

43 minutes ago, webfact said:

The festival is expected to attract large numbers of Thais and foreign tourists to many areas but especially around the Chao Phraya River, reported Daily News yesterday. 

 

Hundreds crowded together! ,no fireworks lanterns or alcohol but never mind Covid freely available.

[ikke1959]

No wonder prisons are overcrowded in Thailand... The first thing they will say if you..... than you go to jail or fine.... Maybe they can give people a life instead of the military punishments....

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Little boats or Krathongs containing such items as flowers, leaves, joss-sticks and candles are floated on waterways to thank the water goddess Mae Konka for providing water and apologize for polluting it.

????

[lujanit]

Scrap polystyrene is much cheaper than bread.  I have never seen a 'Krathong boat' made of bread.

[it is what it is]

4 minutes ago, lujanit said:

Scrap polystyrene is much cheaper than bread.  I have never seen a 'Krathong boat' made of bread.

 

really? maybe you haven't been in thailand long, or haven;t been paying attention. bread kratongs have been made for years. to be honest i see far more biodegradable kratongs year on year. so there is movement in the right direction.

[Chad3000]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

f 3 years and/or 60,000 baht fine for setting off fireworks

Meanwhile Boss has been yet to be held to account nor Joe Ferrari. Just sayin

 

It's not an awful idea but the fine is ridiculous.

[Willy Wombat]

Thailand. A country led by killjoys and buffoons.

[Used2LuvThailand]

6 hours ago, Willy Wombat said:

Thailand. A country led by killjoys and buffoons.

And unelected, unchecked tyrants. 

[herfiehandbag]

6 hours ago, lujanit said:

Scrap polystyrene is much cheaper than bread.  I have never seen a 'Krathong boat' made of bread.

The ones I've seen up here (and the ones I made a couple of times) were folded up from banana leaves.

 

Mind you, mine sank!

[internationalism]

he sees them daily at DinDaeng intersection and thinks for one day they should stop

[bangon04]

"The festival is expected to attract large numbers of Thais and foreign tourists " - about 40 million should be enough.......

[Partenavia]

So clearly going to Thailand to have a holiday, and enjoy yourself, is not allowed. Why would anyone bother to come!!!