Bangkok: The government has tightened measures for releasing rockets near airports. Traditions and safety must go hand in hand. Violators face a maximum penalty of up to 5 years in prison or a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both. Mr. Karom Polpornklang, deputy government spokesman, revealed that the government, through the Ministry of Transport, has ordered the Department of Airports (DoA) to prepare measures and publicize measures for lighting and releasing rockets, flares, sky lanterns, floating lanterns, smoke lanterns, or other similar objects into the air during May-June of each year, which is the Boon Bang Fai festival of the locals in the Northeast. Currently, the format has changed, with a competition on the height of the rockets, which has increased the height significantly from the original, and poses a risk of causing serious harm to aircraft, as well as the lives and property of the people.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Karom said that for the 2025 Rocket Festival, the government has urged relevant agencies to publicize the preventive and safety measures specified in the airport operation manual so that those requesting permission to light rockets will have knowledge and understanding of the guidelines for practice. Refrain from lighting and releasing rockets, fireworks, sky lanterns, floating lanterns, smoke lanterns, or other similar objects into the air in the air safety zone and risk areas along the take-off and landing lines of aircraft and the surrounding areas of the airport to prevent possible dangers to aircraft and the visibility of pilots in the air safety zone.
Nakarom continued that anyone who plans to light a rocket must submit a request for permission to light a rocket with the local officials in the sub-district, district or province. The officials must then notify nearby airports at least 7-15 business days in advance, stating the names and contact phone numbers of at least 2 rocket launch coordinators, along with detailed rocket launch coordinates, including latitude and longitude, to be used in issuing an announcement to warn pilots, and monitoring contact from the air traffic control center at all times while the rocket is being lit and released.
'If violated, the maximum penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding 200,000 baht, or both. And if the aircraft in service is damaged to the point where it cannot fly, or may cause danger to the safety of the aircraft in flight, the penalty is death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment from 15 to 20 years, and a fine from 600,000 to 800,000 baht, according to Section 59/1 of the Air Navigation Act B.E. 2497,' said Mr. Karam.