No lamps near airports during Thai festival
6 Nov 2014 4:40 AM IST
The air traffic control center in Chiang Mai province has declared a 5-kilometer zone around the airport where people are advised not to launch lanterns from Wednesday to Friday, when Loy Krathong festival celebrations will take place, said Kiattisak Rienvatana, the center’s director.
During the festival, Thais float small rafts on rivers to ask for forgiveness from the goddess of water.
They also believe that launching lanterns will rid them of bad fortune. Authorities, however, have expressed safety concerns over the lanterns. ‘We are asking the people to cooperate because only one lantern can bring down a plane,’ Kiattisak said. ‘Our officials are also keeping an eye on any lanterns that might be blown into the airport parameters during that period.’ Revelers have been advised that they may float lanterns when the air traffic is cleared up.
During the festival, Thais float small rafts on rivers to ask for forgiveness from the goddess of water.
They also believe that launching lanterns will rid them of bad fortune. Authorities, however, have expressed safety concerns over the lanterns. ‘We are asking the people to cooperate because only one lantern can bring down a plane,’ Kiattisak said. ‘Our officials are also keeping an eye on any lanterns that might be blown into the airport parameters during that period.’ Revelers have been advised that they may float lanterns when the air traffic is cleared up.
Next Story
