DCA advises public against floating lanterns for aviation safety

BANGKOK, 17 September 2015 (NNT)-The Department of Civil Aviation of Thailand (DCA) is asking the public not to release floating lanterns or homemade flying objects as they could be dangerous to aviation.

The DCA Director General Somchai Piputwat, said today that the DCA has publicized its preventive measures against flying lanterns, as they are now being released into the air all year round.

Using the lanterns is no longer confined to ancient tradition as seen in the North of Thailand. They have been used as marketing gimmicks and in competitions across Thailand in recent years.

Inventors have improved the lanterns so that they are able to stay in the air for a longer period of time and reach a higher altitude. DCA Director General Somchai said they are sometimes seen floating in a plane’s flight path.

Chemicals used in making the lanterns could very well damage and compromise the safety of the airplane and passengers.

Mr. Somchai said since there are no laws governing such activities, revelers should be aware of the grave danger they represent and their potential to put at risk the lives of passengers on the plane. He called on revelers to be mindful about where they release the lanterns.


-- NNT 2015-09-17

Is there not a major international audit of Thailand's civil aviation standards underway at the moment? And this is the topic of choice for the DCA!

They need to learn that advising or asking people - especially Thais - not to do something is not the same as telling them.

The Department of Civil Aviation of Thailand (DCA) is asking the public not to release floating lanterns or homemade flying objects as they could be dangerous to aviation.

Is it their hope that ICAO will not ban them cause of this weak statement ... ?

Maybe it would be an idea to inform the public about the penalty if they release lanterns or is it 500B ... ?