Launching hot-air lanterns to be banned near airports

Written by Writer on Monday, October 27th, 2008

YIPENG FESTIVAL

Launching hot-air lanterns to be banned near airports

AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK

Launching of hot-air lanterns near airports will be prohibited during the Yipeng festival next month. Zoning is among new measures to be discussed today at a meeting of the Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning Office.

The threat to air safety has been highlighted by the increasing number of lanterns being set aloft each year during the festival, transport officials say.

”Debris from the lanterns has often been found inside the boundaries of Chiang Mai international airport,” said office director Soitip Traisut.

The lanterns are an important part of the traditional festival, a northern version of the Loy Krathong festival. People enjoy seeing them float slowly into the night air, but they can end up entangled in electricity lines and there are worries they could interfere with aircraft unless some restrictions are imposed.

”We need to prevent danger,” Ms Soitip said. ”But we have to continue with the tradition at the same time.”

Her office is suggesting three measures _ lantern-free zones near airports, setting size limits and a campaign to make people aware of the problem.

Chiang Mai already has stricter rules on the size of lanterns and launching times and requires festival organisers to inform officials when a number of lanterns is launched at the same time.

A cylinder-shaped lantern should not exceed 90cm in diameter and 140cm in height, according to Ms Soitip. Its fuel, a long piece of paper coated with wax, must also be completely burned within five minutes.

Civil Aviation Department chief Chaisak Angsuwan said he has told airport directors to inform pilots of the size of lanterns and their launching times so that they could take extra care.

Bangkok Post
Monday October 27, 2008