Loy Krathong lanterns banned in some parts of Bangkok and Thailand
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has decided to ban the sky lanterns in some areas in and around Bangkok for the next festival Loy Krathong Festival on November 6 (source: The Nation).
The ban will cover areas such as the Grand Palace and its surroundings, historic sites, areas with large buildings, airports and important temples of the city. It will be effective for 24 hours.
The decision came after city officials met yesterday. The BMA will also set up an ad hoc center, under Rama VIII Bridge to help people who want to float krathongs on the rivers, canals and ponds.
City officials inspected all wharves along the Chao Phraya River and various canals and found 262 of them are safe for the festival. Some 21 pillars have been declared unsafe and will be closed, residents were informed.
All 50 districts of Bangkok will be placed on alert to respond effectively to possible incidents along the river and canals.
Regarding fireworks, Suwandee Wallop, Chairman of the BMA, said that only six suppliers have legal licenses to sell fireworks in the capital.
The Interior Ministry also ensure that in areas where Loy Krathong is celebrated in Bangkok sale of alcohol will be banned.
Note thaht Laem Chabang municipality in the province of Chon Buri has banned the sale of fireworks and sky lanterns for Loy Krathong, their use may endanger a gas storage area and refineries. A prohibition that could be taken locally in other parts of Thailand.
Each year, the dark side of the release of lanterns into the sky is that they sometimes cause fires and destoy houses and propperties.
