BUN BANG FAI

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The most famous "BUN BANG FAI" (ประเพณีบุญบั้งไฟ) or rocket festival is happening in Yasothon, located in Isan region - Northeast of Thailand.

The third day of the Yasothon Rocket festival is happening in Phaya Thaen Park. The highlight is the launch of rockets during the whole day.

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Depending on the year some international teams may join such as Korean, Japanese, Laotian teams.

Many people flock to the Phaya Thaen Park in order to watch the rockets launch (ชมการจุดบั้งไฟ).

There are 7 rockets launchpads. Numbers 1 to 4 are for small rockets. Numbers 5 to 6 are for big rockets. One huge launchpad is used by the winner of last year. It will be fired at the end of the day.

The day is so hot that many stalls are selling hats and umbrellas to get protected against the harsh sun.

It is a family day with many shops selling food, beverages and small items such a hats, umbrellas, sunglasses, isan music CD or music instruments.

The third day of the Yasothon Rocket festival is also a family event. So many stalls are selling food and also games activities for young children.

Most of the people stay in the shadowed garden under trees to avoid big heat. It is good time for eating, listening to Molam music and watching the rockets.

Some children activities include a small swimming pool where they can ride some small boats.

There is a strong recommendation not to come too close to the rocket shooting point. Accidents have happened in the past. Some people died.

In year 2006 a one-tonne rocket crashed into a mango tree and exploded. The rocket worth 600 000 Baht.

In year 2014 a house was partially destroyed due a fire caused by a rocket falling from the sky. Still in year 2015 the house owner couldn't get the full money amount back. Not easy to find a culprit...

Special circular rockets are launched during the Yasothon Rocket festival. There are called BANG FAI TALAI - บั้งไฟตะไล.

BANG FAI TALAI (บั้งไฟตะไล) circular circumference can be up to 6 meters.

A parachute is attached to the curcular rocket for safety when it falls down.

This is the beginning of the safety zone so it is better to stay behind the dangerous zone. Despite this warning, dozen of people stay close to the launch pads.

In year 2015 two Thai men were killed by a rocket that went out of control in Si Sa Ket province.

Some Thai people are building traditionally their rockets. Of course risk of mistake or explosion is always present. So better stay safe.

In year 2014 a 12 years old boy was killed in a rocket accident in Ubon Ratchathani. Metal plates, put at the bottom of the rocket to seal its ignition chamber, were sent into the boy's skull as a small explosion suddenly occurred.

If the rocket fails to launch, explosion could be a disaster as many onlookers stay close. Nowadays rockers are lit remotely thanks to electronics.

In year 1999 a tragedy happened during the Yasothon Rocket festival. Five spectators were killed when a large home-made rocket exploded. The rocket, estimated to weigh 120 kg, blew up seconds after it left the launch site. 11 others suffered injuries.

Normally rockets include a small parachute, which is opening itself to reduce the speed when they fall.

Recently some monks died by prepared rockets as it contains explosive powder.

In year 2013 another tragedy happened during the Kalasin Rocket festival. Two people were killed and a few injured when a rocket crashed into the crowd.

So accidents do happen so better safe than sorry.

Some Molam concert stages are set up in various areas of Phaya Thaen Public Park.

There is a mud pool in front of each concert stage. Even ice cubes are put inside the pool. In the past it was a tradition to throw people in the mud pool if the rockets failed to deliver.

Even monks were thrown in the mud pool!

Yasothon Rocket festival is linked to Japanese Chi Chi Bu Rocket festival since many years.

Multiple molam concerts with dancers are performing in the Phaya Thaen Park.

Teammates, who participated in the rocket contest, are thrown into a mud pool.

Sme of the groups have their own molam concert stage and continue the party they have already been doing since two days! Nowadays people go by themselves into the mud pool without the need to be pushed. Nevertheless people are often a bit drunk.