Chiang Mai governor has imposed a ban on releasing lanterns in five districts ahead of the Loy Krathong festival and New Year, warning that offenders will face penalties.
Governor Pawin Chumniprasat said authorities decided to issue the ban as the activity poses a risk to flights. He was speaking after a meeting on safety during the upcoming celebrations.
The five areas subject to the ban are Muang district; Hang Dong district; tambon Nong Pueng, Kuew Mung, Dong Kaew, San Sai and Ta Wang Tan of Saraphi district; tambon Don Kaew, Muang Kaew, Rim Tai and Mai Sa of Mae Rim district and tambon Nong Harn of San Sai district.
But residents are allowed to float lanterns on Nov 25 and on Dec 31 to mark the Loy Krathong and New Year's Eve celebrations, he added.
The lanterns can only be released between 10am and noon, and after 9pm, the governor said.
People in other districts who plan to release the lanterns need to inform local authorities which will pass the information to airlines, he said. Airlines may need to reschedule their flights to avoid possible dangers, he added.
Mr Pawin urged residents to abide by the regulations or face the risk of punishments. Violators would face a jail term of up to one month and/or a fine of up to 2,000 baht.
People who release lanterns, sell them or make them must take responsibility if the activity causes any damage, Mr Pawin said.
He said he assigned authorities at the Chiang Mai Provincial Office of Buddhism to educate temple authorities about the consequences to flights of lantern releases and asked for their cooperation.
Officials are working on passing information on the ban to hotels and shops which might be hoping to sell or release lanterns to attract tourists, he added.
Temples in Nong Harn sub-district and San Sai district were planning to release thousands of lanterns as part of the annual Loy Krathong festival. The lantern release is regarded as an indispensable part of the Yee Peng festival held to celebrate the full moon in the capital of the northern province.