BANGKOK, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- In an attempt to prevent disruptions in the Thai skies for aircraft, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Metropolitan Police Bureau on Monday issued yet another stern warning against floating or flying objects during this year's Loy Krathong festival unless given official permission.
Those who violate the ban will be subject to prison time or a fine, or both, said the two state agencies.
"The BMA had announced the safety measures for Loy Krathong festival goers, which call for the prohibition of the lighting of firecrackers, flares, sky lanterns and other fireworks unless given permission from a district chief officer. Those who violate the ban will be subject to a maximum of three years in prison and a maximum fine of 60,000 baht, or both," as posted in the BMA and the Royal Thai Police websites and social media platforms.
"Those who have manufactured, stored and/or sold firecrackers, flares or other fireworks have to obtain official permission from a local registrar and strictly follow the regulations of the Department of Health on the prevention of injury or damage caused by the manufacturing, transporting and selling fireworks," said the websites.
Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Police are calling on members of the public in the provinces not to play with firecrackers, flares, sky lanterns and other fireworks which might disturb or harm people or damage property.
"Those who violate the regulations will be subject to a maximum of three years in prison or a maximum fine of 60,000 baht. People are also prohibited from discharging firearms without good reason. Those who violate the rules will be subject to imprisonment and a fine. People are also prohibited from drinking alcohol while driving or riding in automobiles," said the websites.
Despite the stern warnings, the Airports Authority of Thailand (AoT) said earlier on Monday that 223 flights had been canceled or rescheduled for fear of "encountering into flying objects on flight routes."
Tradition has seen revelers releasing lanterns into the sky to evict the bad and welcome the good spirits.
