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Recently, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt issued a ban on fireworks and sky lanterns during the New Year's Eve countdown to 2025 to prevent fire hazards and accidents. The ban was issued based on Articles 23 and 32 of Thailand's Disaster Prevention Act to prevent potential fire risks. Violators could face hefty fines of 60,000 baht (US$1,800) or even imprisonment for up to three years.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration announced that most Bangkok residents would be leaving the city for the long holiday, and the dry, windy weather conditions would make fireworks displays and sky lantern releases highly likely to cause fires.
Thailand has banned fireworks and sky lanterns during the New Year's Eve countdown celebrations for 2025.
To ensure a safe and orderly New Year's Eve celebration, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has decided to establish a specialized monitoring center. This center will play a crucial role in monitoring, controlling, and managing activities throughout the New Year's Eve celebrations. With a modern surveillance camera system installed in crowded areas, the center will promptly detect and prevent any violations of regulations, especially the illegal use of fireworks. Furthermore, the center will closely coordinate with relevant authorities to respond quickly to emergencies such as fires, accidents, or other unexpected incidents, aiming to protect the lives and property of citizens.
This announcement is reportedly aimed at preventing the risk of fire and unfortunate accidents.
To host spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks displays, venues in Bangkok must undergo a rigorous permitting process. This is not merely an administrative requirement; it ensures that the performances are held safely and in compliance with regulations. Organizers must present detailed plans, from the selection of fireworks and stage layout to emergency evacuation procedures. Furthermore, they must commit to investing in modern fire safety systems, installing surveillance cameras throughout the venue, and ensuring sufficient rescue and emergency personnel are on standby to respond to any unexpected situations.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has also been instructed to inspect all fireworks factories and warehouses in the capital ahead of the festival to prevent similar tragic accidents to the fire at the Santika Club on New Year's Day 2009, caused by fireworks and resulting in hundreds of casualties.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) predicts that the country will welcome nearly 1.6 million international visitors during the upcoming 2025 New Year festival, generating revenue of approximately 45 billion baht (over 1.3 billion USD), a 20% increase compared to the previous year.
