CHIANG MAI, Nov 1 — Chiang Mai Governor Thanin Supasan has announced the coming annual cold spell and atmospheric haze as priorities of concern on the provincial agenda, particularly the flying paper lanterns released during the Loy Krathong festival later this month.
Mr Thanin made the announcement today at a meeting of government, private sector and community groups. He said all the problems would be rectified by next year.
The cold spell, haze, forest fires and drought were major concern that the province would tackle with the cooperation from private and civic sectors.
The governor said 500,000 pieces of cold weather clothing is needed in Fang and Chom Thong districts.
Mr Thanin said the hot-air lanterns that are released into the air are a serious safety problem during Loy Krathong festival every year.
He said that the lanterns may cause fires if they fell onto structures. Members of the public should not release lanterns during the flight time for airlines, something that Chiang Mai International Airport has been asking for many years in order to avoid an aviation disaster.
The governor said all sectors should integrate the tasks and cooperate to seriously tackle the problems ahead of the tourism season and the 41st National Games –the Chiang Mai games– in December.
