CHIANG MAI, Thailand – A heated moment went viral on social media as a foreign tourist grabbed a police officer’s collar in frustration after being prohibited from releasing a sky lantern in an unauthorized area during New Year’s celebrations. The incident, which occurred on December 31 in Chiang Mai, eventually resolved peacefully through explanation and understanding.
The video, shared by TikTok user “yannis__d,” showed a brief confrontation where a tourist in a white shirt became upset after an officer confiscated his sky lantern. The caption read, “This guy will start 2025 in jail,” hinting at the dramatic tension of the moment.
Following the incident, local authorities collaborated with a Japanese-speaking interpreter to clarify the situation to the tourist, who was visiting Chiang Mai for the first time. Police emphasized the safety regulations surrounding sky lantern releases, which are restricted in certain areas.
In the spirit of welcoming the New Year, officials decided not to pursue charges, aiming to leave the tourist with a positive impression of Chiang Mai. The officer, performing his duty, also chose not to escalate the matter further.
