NONG KHAI, Oct 18 (TNA) – Thousands of locals and tourists flocked to the northeastern province of Nong Khai on Thursday to witness the Mythical Serpent (Naga) Fireball phenomenon, which occurred annually during the end of the Buddhist Lent.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra participated in the event, featuring a traditional blessing ceremony in Phon Pisai district.
In her address, Paetongtarn highlighted the potential of the Naga Fireball festival to become a significant soft power attraction, drawing global attention to Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. She expressed her commitment to promoting the event and supporting the local community.
Miss Universe 2023 first runner-up Anntonia Porsild joined a grand traditional dance performance featuring over 1,000 local dancers.
The fireballs, a rosy pink color, emerge from the Mekong River in and around Nong Khai, soaring into the sky before vanishing.
Local folklore attributes these mysterious orbs to the mythical serpent, believed to reside beneath the Mekong’s surface.
Despite the lack of a definitive scientific explanation, the phenomenon has become a major tourist draw for Nong Khai and continues to fascinate locals and visitors alike.
Tourism officials reported that hotels in Nong Khai were fully booked and flights to nearby Udon Thani were overbooked, with an estimated revenue of at least 600 million baht expected for the month of October. -819 (TNA)
