PM Prayut urges Loy Krathong celebrants to observe safety rules

[webfact]

PM Prayut urges Loy Krathong celebrants to observe safety rules



BANGKOK: -- As Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha urged the public to cooperate in observing safety regulations concerned with flying lanterns and fireworks during the Loy Krathong festival, Metropolitan Police Bureau said more than 2,000 police personnel will be deployed in Bangkok's 136 venues where the celebrations are to be held tonight to ensure safety for celebrants.

Speaking on safety during the Loy Krathong festival, General Prayut said responsible agencies have been assigned to ensure safety at sites where Loy Krathong will be celebrated.

But he said he would like to ask the public to observe regulations on the lighting of fireworks and firecrackers, and the release of sky lanterns, as these actions may cause damage to nearby homes or threatening the safety of aircraft.

The prime minister also disclosed that personally, he had no plans for Loy Krathong.

Army Commander-in-Chief Udomdej Sitabutr said on Wednesday military officials would work alongside police officers and officials from other agencies to maintain order at Loy Krathong celebration sites throughout the country.

In the metropolitan area, the police said revellers are allowed to play with fireworks from 11 pm Thursday to 2 am Friday.

Police Maj-Gen Adul Narongsak, deputy commissioner of Metropolitan Police Bureau, said over 2,0000 police personnel will be deployed to ensure safety at all 136 Loy Krathong venues, especially the major ones at the Suan Santipap Park, the riverfront nightfall market Asiatique and the Rama VIII bridge.

Revelers will also be allowed to play with fireworks from 11 pm tomorrow to 2 am the next day.

But he called for the people to be extra careful when playing fireworks and sky lanterns.

Criminal charges will be imposed against people for damage or bodily harm caused by fireworks or sky lanterns, he said.

They could be subject to a fine of no more than 1,000 baht and a maximum one month imprisonment or both, he said.

Firing gunshots into the sky is also prohibited, he added.

Police Major General Adul said police will also be deployed to man bridges throughout the capital city to prevent people from throwing fire crackers into passing boats.

Checkpoints will also be set up on major roads to quell illegal activities, including teenagers’ motorcycle race, he sai

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/pm-prayut-urges-loy-krathong-celebrants-observe-safety-rules/


-- Thai PBS 2014-11-06

[Costas2008]

If they don't fire at each other on their political disputes, they have to fire something to cause damage to others and even themselves.

Ban the lanterns all together, ban the fireworks, what's the point of them?

[recycled]

After the first plastic bag of Lao Khao has been consumed, it will be what did he say again.

[NongKhaiKid]

This will go the way of all the safety pleas at New Year and Songkran as it's for others to obey just like traffic laws.

[fab4]

The prime minister also disclosed that personally, he had no plans for Loy Krathong.

According to H.M. King Rama IV, writing in 1863, it was a Brahmanical festival that was adapted by Thai Buddhists in Thailand to honor Buddha, Prince Siddhartha Gautama. The candle venerates the Buddha with light, while the krathong's floating symbolizes letting go of all one's hatred, anger, and defilements.

Maybe worth making plans for, after all................................

[fab4]

If they don't fire at each other on their political disputes, they have to fire something to cause damage to others and even themselves.

Ban the lanterns all together, ban the fireworks, what's the point of them?

Tradition , Culture, that sort of thing. You know, that which compels adult military men in Greece to wear uniforms that includes a foustenella which to the rest of the world resembles a woman's skirt.............................

[angmo]

It begs the question of how to identify the owner of a lantern that causes damage? Will everyone be required to put their contact information on their lanterns?

[chainarong]

The usual message to the masses , some will keep message in mind others will know better and end up in the morgue, far better to remember than to forget as you are dead along time.

[ratcatcher]

If they don't fire at each other on their political disputes, they have to fire something to cause damage to others and even themselves.

Ban the lanterns all together, ban the fireworks, what's the point of them?

Tradition , Culture, that sort of thing. You know, that which compels adult military men in Greece to wear uniforms that includes a foustenella which to the rest of the world resembles a woman's skirt.............................

Och, fabby, these lassies might disagree wi ya.

[nev]

I am scared to go out tonight, who knows a lantern let of causes a problem police asks who lit that fingers point to the only falang, whisked of and jailed for life, fellow falangs stay indoors until it is all over.

[kanook]

I think I will release double the comb loy this year.

[Chao Lao Beach]

Thai authorities threaten sky lantern fans with death penalty

Loy Krathong festival falls flat after ruling junta launches crackdown on wayward lanterns and misfiring fireworks

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/05/thailand-sky-lanterns-death-penalty

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/05/us-thailand-festival-idUSKBN0IP0I320141105