Officials seize 49 sky lanterns from beach vendors on northern Phuket beach

[snoop1130]

Stock image: Flickr/Sari F

 

Vendors on Bangtao Beach, one of the most popular beaches on the northern west coast of Phuket, have been caught illegally selling floating lanterns, according to a Phuket Express report. A total of 49 lanterns were seized from 4 beach vendors, following a visit by officials from the Thalang District Office.

 

According to the report, the officers were patrolling the beach on Monday night when they found the 4 vendors in possession of the lanterns. District Chief Bancha Tanooin says the offenders were taken to the District Office for processing and 49 lanterns were confiscated.

 

Bang Tao is also about 20 minutes drive from the Phuket Airport, where the sky lanterns can cause air safety problems.

It’s understood the vendors have each signed an agreement that they will no longer sell the flying lanterns. Bancha says if they are caught again, they will face legal action.

 

The lanterns have, for years, been a popular attraction for friends and romantic partners to jointly launch a lantern from the beach as they ‘make a wish’.

 

Phuket has a ban on floating lanterns and violators can face up to 3 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to 60,000 baht.

 

Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/officials-seize-49-sky-lanterns-from-beach-vendors-on-northern-phuket-beach/

 

-- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-01-11

 

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[hidbehindthesofa]

Quote

Did different rules apply in Pattaya at New Year when hundreds of lanterns were launched from the beach ?  (Not to mention fireworks being set off on the beach within a few feet of others sitting on the beach - some of which were being hand-held !).

 

[PETERTHEEATER]

22 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

A total of 49 lanterns were seized

It would have been 50 but one took flight......