The title says it all. Clearly there wasn't the big release of thousands of lanterns, was there any ceremony at all? A friend asked me on behalf of some tourists and I didn't have an answer.

No. It is operated by a huge marketing firm. This year they are only holding the paid event. No idea, nor interest, in when that is. It is likely sold out though.

Let's not look down on those who see a money making opportunity in a religious celebration!

At least they have avoided capitalizing on far more important celebrations like Christmas, the Easter Bunny, Guy Fawkes, D-Day and 911.

Edited November 24, 201510 yr by WaiLai

The lantern release is on the 25th which is today at 9:00 P.M. https://www.google.com/maps/dir/%E0%B8%98%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%96%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%A5%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B2+%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B3%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A0%E0%B8%AD+%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2+%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%87%E0%B9%83%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%88+Thailand/Soi+Phra+Pok+Klao+12,+Amphoe+Mueang+Chiang+Mai,+Chang+Wat+Chiang+Mai+50200,+Thailand/@18.910938,99.013139,14z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x30da232d2627caad:0x3cae048a5260e84c!2m2!1d99.0135941!2d18.911916!1m5!1m1!1s0x30da3a98f68e44c9:0x926b75f2f39ef796!2m2!1d98.9889875!2d18.7894269!3e0?hl=en-CA

And it's a paid event at Mae Jo $100-300 USD per person. We will release our 9 in front of house. Plus big rockets

If I interpret this correctly, the free event did not happen, while the paid event is this evening.

I've never been to the paid event, has anyone on this forum been there? It has been remarkably poorly advertised.

Live in the area, saw a steady stream of lanterns floating above the site when I looked around 8 - 8:30 pm.