With the nation still observing a period of mourning after the passing of His Majesty The King, restrictions on celebrations have been announced for the upcoming Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai. New rules have been rolled out on the release of lanterns in addition to earlier planned regulations. This year’s festival will go ahead on 13th-15th November.
Provincial governor Pawin Chamniprasart told local media that the restrictions were in the interests of public and aviation safety while the entire event has been toned down this year in respect for the passing of King Bhumibol. A number of regulations had already been announced, but the local government has introduced a few new rules that must also be observed.
The Yi Peng Festival is known for cultural activities including traditional Loy Krathong and the release of sky lanterns and some of these will be allowed to proceed as per tradition. Hot air lanterns can be released on 14th November from 7pm to 1am and also during the same times on the following day. Pawin told the Bangkok Post that the restrictions will also apply to New Year’s Eve festivities.
In addition to the restrictions on when lanterns can be released, the new rules state they must be made from natural materials such as paper coated with wax or paraffin, capable of burning no longer than eight minutes. New rules on the size of the lanterns as well as how much fuel they are allowed to carry were also announced by government officials.
It was also noted that anyone wanting to float lanterns into the air need to have the approval of a local district chief before doing so. Anyone releasing a lantern outside the permitted times and areas will be subject to penalties including fines and possibly jail time. Sales of lanterns in temples or public places are not allowed unless they have received permission of the district chief while all betting on lanterns has been banned.
