BANGKOK, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- A total of 223 flights have been canceled or rescheduled as Thailand kickstarted the Loy Krathong Festival on Monday.
Somnuk Rongthong, president of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (ART), said the airports in Thailand cannot afford to take the risks of flying aircraft in the sky despite the warnings nationwide banning floating or shooting objects into the sky.
Last Friday, the Airports Authority of Thailand (AoT) announced that airports in the north had 160 flights cancelled or rescheduled to avoid risks of encountering any flying objects in the sky; with flight changes starting from November 10 to 13.
On Monday, the AOT announced that a total of 223 flights will have to be canceled or rescheduled.
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha also took the opportunity to send his regards to Thais nationwide to enjoy Loy Krathong day but to "refrain from releasing lanterns, hot-air balloons, fireworks and drones or emit laser beams near any airport."
The police had also issued warnings that violators found to be floating lanterns or shoot fireworks in the sky, will be fined or imprisoned, said Somnuk.
Tradition has seen Loy Krathong revelers release floats on water and lanterns in the sky as a means to evict the evil while welcoming the spirit of the good.
