BANGKOK, 19 November 2012 – The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (DDPM) has initiated a campaign against the release of sky lanterns during the Loy Krathong Festival in Bangkok.
DDPM deputy director-general Surakiat Limcharoen said agencies of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration have expressed concern over the floating of sky lanterns in the capital, as they pose a possible fire hazard.
He elaborated that the Northern region where the lanterns originate has more open space while in Bangkok, the lanterns can fall onto buildings and power lines and cause fires.
Mr Surakiat said all district offices in Bangkok have been instructed to monitor the situation closely and urge the public to instead float krathongs along canals and rivers during the Loy Krathong Festival taking place on November 28th.
