Recently, the governor of Bangkok, Thailand, Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt issued an order to ban the burning of fireworks and releasing of sky lanterns during the New Year countdown festival to prevent the risk of fire and unfortunate accidents. The ban was issued on the basis of Article 23 and Article 32 of the Disaster Prevention Act in Thailand to prevent potential fire risks. According to this ban, violators may face a heavy fine of 60,000 baht (1,800 USD) or even a prison sentence of up to 3 years.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said that most Bangkok residents will leave the city during the long holiday and that dry weather conditions and strong winds will make fireworks and sky lanterns very likely to cause fires.
Thailand has banned fireworks and sky lanterns during the New Year's Eve countdown to 2025.
To ensure a safe and orderly festive season, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has decided to set up a dedicated monitoring center. This center will act as an important link in monitoring, controlling and handling activities taking place throughout New Year's Eve. With a modern surveillance camera system installed in crowded areas, the center will promptly detect and prevent any violations of regulations, especially illegal fireworks. In addition, the center will also closely coordinate with functional forces to quickly respond to emergency situations such as fires, accidents or other unexpected incidents, in order to protect the safety of people's lives and property.
This notice is supposed to prevent the risk of fire and unfortunate accidents.
In order to host dazzling fireworks displays to welcome the New Year, venues in Bangkok are required to undergo a rigorous permitting process. More than just an administrative requirement, the permitting ensures that performances are held safely and in compliance with regulations. Organizers must present detailed plans, from the selection of fireworks, stage layout, to emergency evacuation plans. They also need to commit to investing in modern fire protection systems, installing surveillance cameras in every corner of the venue, and ensuring that there are enough rescue and emergency personnel on duty to respond to any unexpected situations.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has also been asked to inspect all fireworks factories and warehouses in the capital ahead of the festival to prevent unfortunate accidents similar to the fire at Santika Club during the 2009 New Year celebrations caused by fireworks that killed and injured hundreds of people.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) predicts that the country will welcome nearly 1.6 million international visitors during the upcoming New Year festival in 2025, generating revenue of about 45 billion baht (more than 1.3 billion USD), up 20% over the previous year.
