Tourist Confronts Police Over Lantern Release in Chiang Mai During New Year

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture captured from video.

 

A heated altercation occurred during New Year celebrations in Chiang Mai when a Japanese tourist clashed with police attempting to prevent the release of a sky lantern, a potentially dangerous practice.

 

The incident, which took place at 00:30 on January 1, 2025, was captured in a viral video shared by a local Facebook page. The footage shows a group of tourists preparing to release a lantern on Kotchasarn Soi 3, near the city’s Tha Phae Gate. Police Lieutenant Taweesak Wongjai, from Chiang Mai City Police Station, approached the group to stop the activity due to safety concerns.

 

The situation escalated when the tourist, reportedly unhappy with the police intervention, grabbed Lt. Taweesak’s collar and engaged in a brief scuffle. Despite efforts to explain the risks involved, the tourist persisted in trying to release the lantern. Lt. Taweesak ultimately removed the lantern from the tourist’s grasp to prevent any potential harm.

 

The officer’s actions were later praised online, with social media users commending his calm demeanor and highlighting the dangers associated with releasing sky lanterns. Many commenters noted the risk of lanterns causing fires if they landed on homes or other structures.

 

Police Colonel Prachaya Thitla, Chief of Chiang Mai City Police, explained that officers were deployed across key areas to ensure public safety during the New Year festivities. The prohibition of sky lanterns is a precaution to avoid accidents, particularly during crowded celebrations.

 

After the incident, a Japanese interpreter was called to mediate. The tourist eventually apologised to the officer, as did his parents, who arrived at the scene. Lt. Taweesak decided not to press charges, considering it a misunderstanding and opting to issue a verbal warning instead.

 

Authorities stressed the importance of understanding local regulations to avoid similar incidents. While sky lanterns are a cultural tradition in Thailand, their release is strictly regulated in urban areas due to the fire hazard they pose.

 

-- 2025-01-01

 

 

[hotchilli]

Japanese guy was well out f order, and pushing his luck.

[Srikcir]

This tourist betrays his own Japanese culture and ethics. 

Imagine him in Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo trying such a stunt and confronting police to stop him. Instant arrest, prosecution and imprisonment. Add if he was a foreigner - jail, then deportation after a fine and apology.

[jippytum]

 Arrogant tourist should have been charged with assault. Probably angry because he was sold a lantern  when the vendor knew  he was prohibited to fly it. 

[OneMoreFarang]

2 minutes ago, jippytum said:

 Arrogant tourist should have been charged with assault. Probably angry because he was sold a lantern  when the vendor knew  he was prohibited to fly it. 

It doesn't matter why he was angry. He assaulted a police officer. Arrest him! 

[thesetat]

Surprised to see the police presence there. 

It used to be legal to release those into the air until some complaints caused them to be banned. One has to wonder where he even bought it and if it was purchased inside Thailand. The sale should be made illegal also if they are illegal to use. 

I hope the kid learned some kind of lesson. Clearly he has no respect for any authority. Or he must have been watching how the Thai kids get away with everything and thought he could as well. 

[ujayujay]

Thats RTP. Why does the police officer watch someone trying to release a fire lantern, even though the law prohibits it in populated areas?

[Nick Carter icp]

1 minute ago, ujayujay said:

Thats RTP. Why does the police officer watch someone trying to release a fire lantern, even though the law prohibits it in populated areas?

 

   Did you read the story ?

The Policeman stopped him for releasing  the lantern 

[ujayujay]

11 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Did you read the story ?

The Policeman stopped him for releasing  the lantern 

Ash on my head, I didn't notice the 2nd part under the picture🥴🤪

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Japanese Tourist Fined for Defying Sky Lantern Ban in Chiang Mai

 

 

[billd766]

6 hours ago, ujayujay said:

Thats RTP. Why does the police officer watch someone trying to release a fire lantern, even though the law prohibits it in populated areas?

What a pity you could not be bothered to follow through with your explanation.

 

For an offence to be stopped it first has to be seen. Only then can the police intervene. It seems from the OP, that the RTP tried to stop  the stupid young tourist, who then assaulted the policeman, who in turn took the sky lantern away.

 

The RTP showed restraint which the tourist did not, and no charges were laid though they could have been.

[novacova]

On 1/1/2025 at 2:30 PM, Georgealbert said:

The situation escalated when the tourist, reportedly unhappy with the police intervention, grabbed Lt. Taweesak’s collar and engaged in a brief scuffle.

Where I come from this perp would have been immediately taken down kneed in the back cuffed and tossed in the slammer. Cops here are too nice and lazy.