39 hurt at Ubon rocket launch
Officials in Ubon Ratchathani and Si Sa Ket have vowed to get tough on villagers who launch traditional Isaan-style rockets following an accident that injured 39 people.
Ban Than villagers in Ubon's Khuang Nai district held a traditional Bang Fai rocket festival on Monday to welcome merit-makers from Bangkok, but 39 were hurt after a rocket exploded shortly after being launched. Khuang Nai district chief Narong Chaowalilitkul said yesterday he had instructed all officials to boost safety standards for the festival, held annually between April 17 and May 16. People would not be allowed to get too close to rocket launches. He also ordered all tambons not to aim rockets in the direction of Ubon Ratchathani Airport, because they could pose a hazard to aircraft. Event organisers were now discussing compensation for those hurt, he said. In neighbouring Si Sa Ket, Governor Santad Chatuchai said that Bang Fai rockets would be allowed only for "traditional events" in June.
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