Authorities have declared five districts around the airport in Chiang Mai off-limits to the release of popular <i>khom loy</i> flying lanterns for safety reasons.
Release of lanterns prior to the opening of the Royal Flora Ratchaphreuk 2006. (Bangkok Post file photo)
The release of hot-air lanterns is banned in Muang, Hang Dong, Saraphi, Mae Rim and San Sai districts between 10am and noon and after 9pm from now on. The five districts are restricted flights zones that come under the Chiang Mai air traffic control centre.
Officials said lanterns could be released during the annual Loy Krathong and New Year celebrations. People in any area wanting to release lanterns must make an official approach to local authorities at least seven days in advance, with details of the date, time and place provided, Manager Online reported on Tuesday.
Authorities also banned the sale of hot-air lanterns in public areas. Only lanterns that meet safety standards will be allowed to be sold and released into the sky. Standard lanterns must have a diameter not exceeding 90cm, with a height of not more than 140cm. Lanterns must contain fuel of not more than 55 grammes, with a burn time not exceeding eight minutes. Details of lantern producers and their addresses must be shown on the products.
Violations of the ban will draw a jail term of up to one month and/or a fine of up to 2,000 baht under the Public Health Act, or a jail term of up to 3 months and/or a fine of up to 6,000 baht under the Mitigation and Disaster Prevention Act.
Lanterns are a mainstay of November's Loy Krathong celebration and have caused a myriad of problems for airports around the country.
Last year airlines serving Chiang Mai airport cancelled 112 flights and rescheduled 50 others to avoid problems with the khom loy lanterns.