Yasothon —
On June 22nd, 2024, Yasothon local media reported that Disaster Prevention and Mitigation officials, along with relevant agencies from Mueang, Yasothon, established a monitoring administration for the Bung Bang Fai, or Thai Rocket Festival, held in Phanom Phrai, Roi Et.
The Bung Bang Fai festival, a merit-making ceremony, involved launching over 1,000 rockets into the sky. These festivals are traditionally held in the northeastern region of Thailand from May to July across various provinces.
Given that the rocket festival site was only three kilometers away from a village, a temporary administration was set up to monitor and prevent potential dangers from falling rockets. Villagers received up-to-date information through the village news tower and were gathered at a village temple for safety.
Fortunately, no rockets landed in residential areas; a few fell into a rice field and a river, causing no injuries.
However, an unidentified elderly villager mentioned to local media that each year, at least ten rockets typically fall into residential areas.
This tradition has sparked controversy among Thai netizens, who are concerned about the risks of launching 1,000 rockets, including potential accidents involving aircraft and people.
