Warning on fireworks during festival

PHUKET CITY: Government and law enforcement officials have warned the public to refrain from using large firecrackers and other explosive devices during the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival, which starts October 14.

Phuket City Police Superintendent Pol Col Paween Pongsirin warned that anyone using dangerous fireworks would be prosecuted. Only low-charge, ceremonial firecrackers in strips will be permitted, he said.

Col Paween also advised festival-goers to leave their valuables at home or in their hotels to keep them from being stolen.

Phuket’s outgoing Chief Administrative Officer, Visawa Sasismith, told the Gazette that Governor Udomsak Usawarangkura issued an order earlier this week forbidding the use of high-charge firecrackers, bottle rockets and other such devices.

He also urged parents to control their children during the festival to keep them from creating a public nuisance, such as by throwing firecrackers at innocent bystanders.

For a complete list of this year’s Vegetarian Festival activities, click here.