Chula professor cites 2012 study to claim Naga fireballs ‘man-made’

Local people, who believe in the legend of serpent-like Nagas, hold the belief that the Naga king and servants created the fireballs as an offering to Lord Buddha. Scientists have contended that the fireballs were methane gases accumulated under layers of rock at the bottom of the river, pulled out by gravity and ignited somehow by water, turning them into balls of fire.

During the past few years, Jessada has stepped up attacks against the belief of it being a supernatural phenomenon. He said the fireballs were simply tracer rounds fired from the Laos side.

In the 2012 study, reposted by Jessada on Sunday, Somphop said he found out that the popular spot where Thais came to see fireballs was opposite Ban Houay Sophay in Bolikkhamsai of Laos.