Public warned not to release floating lanterns or flying objects
The Civil Aviation of Thailand Department is asking the public again not to release floating lanterns or homemade flying objects as they could be dangerous to aviation.
Director General Somchai Piputwat, said on Thursday that the floating objects are now being released into the air all year round.
"Using the lanterns is no longer confined to ancient tradition as implemented in the northern region. They have been used as marketing gimmicks and in competitions across Thailand in recent years."
Inventors have improved the lanterns so that they are able to stay in the air for a longer period of time and reach a higher altitude. Somchai said they are sometimes seen floating in a plane’s flight path.
Chemicals used in making the lanterns could very well damage and compromise the safety of the an aircraft and passengers.
Somchai said since there are no laws governing such activities, revelers should be aware of the grave danger they represent and their potential to put at risk the lives of passengers on a plane. He called on revelers to be careful about where they release the lanterns.
