They just didn’t listen.
Despite the government’s stern warning, some people in Chiang Mai couldn’t resist the urge to light up the sky with lanterns on Monday evening, as part of the Loy Krathong Festival celebrations. But their festive mood was soon dampened by a fire that broke out at a nearby market, possibly caused by the flying fire hazards.
Loy Krathong is a traditional Thai festival that falls on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, which was Nov. 27 this year. People float decorated baskets or “krathong” on water to pay respect to the water goddess and wash away their sins. In some parts of the country, especially the north, people also launch lanterns into the air to make a wish.
That is despite of a strict ban on any sky lanterns, rockets, fireworks, and firecrackers, with authorities citing the risk of fire and air traffic disruption….
