Naga Fireballs dazzle spectators at Buddhist Lent finale in northeastern Thailand

[snoop1130]

 

The Naga Fireballs phenomenon, a highlight of the end of Buddhist Lent festivities in Nong Khai, did not disappoint the expectant crowd this year. The provincial statistics revealed a total of 289 fireballs observed today by around 83,610 spectators.

 

The Naga Fireballs, a mysterious and awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, were seen along the Mekong River in Nong Khai province. The spectacle was observed from 6pm to 10pm, primarily in the districts of Phon Phisai and Rattanawapi. The event drew a large crowd of both locals and tourists, with an estimated turnout of 83,610 people.

 

In Phon Phisai, the Naga fireballs were witnessed in areas such as Ban Daen Muang, Ban Wat Luang, Ban Chumpon, Ban Woen, Ban Deur, Ban Nong Kung North, and Ban Nong Kung South, totalling 46 sightings.

 

Meanwhile, in Rattanawapi, 243 fireballs were reported in areas including Ban Nam Pe, Ban Tha Muang, Rattanawapi Boat Station, Ban Tan Chum, Ban Nong Kaew, Nong Kaew North, Ban Phon Phaeng, Ban Aranya, Ban Pang Chan, Ban Non Pho Thong, Ban Ton Noi, Ban Ton Yai, Ban Pang Chan Nakhon, Ban Dong Mod Daeng, and Ban Dong Tan.

 

Many locals, especially those who enjoy trying their luck, noted down the statistics of the Naga Fireballs for future reference. This is because some believe that the number of fireballs can be used to predict lottery numbers.

 

By Nattapong Westwood

Caption: Photo: KhaoSod

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-30

 

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[pedro01]

Natural phenomenon??? Really?

 

[hotchilli]

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The Naga Fireballs phenomenon, a highlight of the end of Buddhist Lent festivities in Nong Khai, did not disappoint the expectant crowd this year

Bang-on time every year... amazing Thailand.

[jcmj]

Would love to see some pics of the mysterious fireballs that magically appear every year at the end of Buddhist lent. 

[Dcheech]

Sure, the Mekong is heavily polluted, but that extra gasoline can't be good.

[impulse]

Not saying I'd have moved up next week's BKK arrival for this one, but it sure would be nice to hear about these events before they happen.  We always seem to read about them when it's too late to participate, or even attend.

 

BIRA racing, longtail boat races, bikini beach runs, jetski races, fun runs, WW2 memorials, and hundreds of other events happen each year in LOS.  Some of them may even get us grumps away from the keyboard.

 

Seems like there should be a forum section like "Upcoming Events"... 

 

[pest]

Haliberton are down the rd just outside Udon 

They probably lettin off a bit of methane 

[Caldera]

Seriously? 🤣

[kwonitoy]

14 hours ago, jcmj said:

Would love to see some pics of the mysterious fireballs that magically appear every year at the end of Buddhist lent. 

I used to live about 50km south of Phon Phisai, we went many times for the "fireballs"

I thought it would be a globe like thing rising out of the water, what I saw was more like a bottle rocket streaking up and going pop.

Very rarely I should add and nobody could really see where they came from

Years ago it was a nice outing sitting on the edge of the river, eating drinking and not seeing much

Nowadays they have barges and floats all lit up with lights and bands playing and  you can hardly see the river for the boats, and not seeing much in the way of fireballs.

I tried to get a photograph but couldn't, neither could the film crews that were set up

Having been about 5 times I remain a skeptic.

[radiochaser]

12 hours ago, kwonitoy said:

I used to live about 50km south of Phon Phisai, we went many times for the "fireballs"

I thought it would be a globe like thing rising out of the water, what I saw was more like a bottle rocket streaking up and going pop.

Very rarely I should add and nobody could really see where they came from

Years ago it was a nice outing sitting on the edge of the river, eating drinking and not seeing much

Nowadays they have barges and floats all lit up with lights and bands playing and  you can hardly see the river for the boats, and not seeing much in the way of fireballs.

I tried to get a photograph but couldn't, neither could the film crews that were set up

Having been about 5 times I remain a skeptic.

I live in a town on the eastern side of Pennsylvania, USA.   Occasionally, I see the same thing.   Only it happens any time of the year, not just after a Buddhist holiday.