Tuesday, 6th October, 2020: Rathapol Naradisorn, Vice Governor of Chiang Mai, announced strict measurements during Yi Peng (Loy Krathong) of 2020 to protect the safety of people lighting and releasing flying lanterns, balloons or any other similar flying objects.
No person is allowed to light or fly lanterns, balloons or any similar objects into the sky unless a permit is obtained from local district chiefs, and even then, they will have to follow strict criteria set by authorities. The permits for releasing lanterns must be obtained at least 15 days in advance.
Schedules allowing for the flying of lanterns, balloons or similar objects are as follows: on Loy Krathong day, full moon day of the Thai twelfth lunar month (31st October 2020), all objects except for smoke lanterns can be released between 7 pm and 1 am (of the 1st November 2020). Smoke lanterns can be released between 10am till noon.
On the first waning moon day of Thai twelfth lunar month (1st November 2020), flying lanterns and similar objects are allowed between 7pm and 1am (of the 2nd November). Smoke lanterns are not allowed).
For New Year’s Eve, releasing lanterns and balloons is allowed on the 31st December of every year between 7 pm and 1am (of the 1st January). Smoke lanterns are not allowed.
Chiang Mai authority has set up monitoring areas (aviation safety areas) in 5 districts i.e. Muang (including 16 Tambons), Hang Dong (11 Tambons), Saraphee (T.Khua Mung, Don Kaew, Nong Phueng), Mae Rim (T.Dong Kaew, Rim Tai, Mae Sa), and Sansai (T.Nong Harn.) In addition, Chiang Mai authority has set up monitoring areas level 1 (aviation safety area) in lighting and releasing of lanterns within and around the Chiang Mai International Airport, i.e. areas along the route for departure and landing of the planes (width for each side 4.6 Kms. And length for each side 18.5 Kms.), Permits must be obtained at least 15 days in advance.
All relevant district chiefs are reminded to be vigilant and careful in allowing the releasing of lanterns to prevent danger toward aviation and the community at large. Those who violate these regulations will be punished with imprisonment of no more than 3 years or fined not over sixty thousand baht or both.