Thai officials brace for rocket risks at Bun Bang Fai festival
Officials tighten safety protocols as festival rockets threaten to disrupt air traffic during celebrations
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri has directed the Department of Airports (DoA) to work closely with communities to ensure compliance with aviation safety protocols during the forthcoming Bun Bang Fai festival.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has established guidelines to mitigate risks, as festival rockets may ascend to altitudes that could endanger aircraft.
Approaching festival dates have prompted the DoA to liaise with local communities regarding rocket launches to safeguard air travel while maintaining the festival’s essence. This traditional festival typically occurs between May and June in northeastern provinces such as Sisaket, Nakhon Phanom, Roi Et, Kalasin, and Yasothon, marking the arrival of the rainy season.
Permitted rocket launch heights range from 7,000 to 8,000 feet, contingent on the location. DoA Chief Danai Ruangson stated that airports are collaborating with local authorities to prevent launches in restricted or high-risk areas without approval.
Festival organisers must obtain local community consent, enabling airports to notify pilots in advance with precise launch locations. Violating safety protocols can result in a maximum prison sentence of five years, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both.
Additionally, if a rocket endangers or damages an aircraft, offenders may face the death penalty and a fine of up to 800,000 baht under air navigation law, Bangkok Post reported.
In similar news, Chiang Mai implemented strict measures to prevent the release of sky lanterns during the Yi Peng Festival in November last year, aiming to safeguard air traffic.
Six districts were designated as high-risk areas where lanterns are banned, while releases outside these zones were only permitted for two days. Violators faced heavy penalties.
Deputy Governor Siwa Thamikanont, along with the Chiang Mai Provincial Industry Office and local authorities, actively engaged with lantern vendors to ensure compliance with safety protocols. These measures were designed to minimise risks and ensure the safety of both festival-goers and air traffic during the event.
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