People who fire makeshift rockets or release lanterns that harm aircraft or disrupt aviation will face harsh penalties, the Transport Ministry says.
Transport permanent secretary Pol Gen Wichean Potephosree yesterday said those found guilty of interfering with aviation or damaging aircraft could face the death penalty or be sentenced to life in prison.
In Udon Thani recently, a bang fai, or makeshift rocket, was found to have been launched to an altitude of about 3,600 metres near the airport, he said.
And in Ubon Ratchathani, a similar rocket was fired to an altitude of 2,700m near the airport, Pol Gen Wichean said.
All forms of makeshift rockets are banned from being launched within a radius of 8 kilometres of an airport, he added.
No rocket can be launched higher than 1,500m.
He said lanterns are also prohibited from being released within a radius of 6km from an airport and before 9pm.
Local administrations will now have to notify their local airport at least three days in advance of setting off rockets or flying lanterns, he said.