BANGKOK– During Loy Krathong Festival every year, members of the general public are always reminded of aviation risks posed by flying lanterns, and are asked not to fly the lanterns which might cause major harm to aircraft.
Airports of Thailand, the operator of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Don Muang, Phuket, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai Mae Fah Luang airports, have issued a statement asking the general public not to launch rockets, fly lanterns, operate drones, or point laser beams, at aircrat to prevent potential harm to operating aircraft and obstructing the work of the pilots.
The announcement complies with the Air Navigation Act, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand’s (CAAT) regulations forbidding unauthorized operations of any unmanned aerial vehicles or drones in areas within a 9-kilometer radius of airports, as any foreign object can damage an aircraft if sucked into the engine.
In Ratchaburi, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand’s Don Tako subdistrict office has asked the general public not to fly lanterns, fly kites, launch rockets, or operate drones close to power lines or power stations, as Ratchaburi is home to seven power plants and some 10 power stations, carrying some 500,000 volts of electricity.
Any damage to electricity infrastructure in Ratchaburi can cause widespread outages in the southern, central, and western regions. Any incidents related to the power lines or power stations should be reported on 1416, 1130, or 1129 call centers available 24 hours every day.
