Naga fireballs event fails to impress eager crowds

By Mongkol Kannikar, Bangkok Post, Oct 28, 2007

Holy serpent only released 67 this year

Bangkok, Thailand -- The Naga fireballs phenomenon left spectators somewhat
disappointed on Friday night as only 67 fireballs were spewed by the Naga
from the Mekong River this year, compared to the hundreds that can normally
be witnessed in the yearly event.

From dusk till dawn, curious visitors descended en masse on the banks of the
Mekong River as it snakes through the districts of Sangkhom, Tha Bo, Phon
Phisai and Bung Kan, and Ratana Wapi sub-district of this northeastern
province, thought to be the best locations to witness the natural
phenomenon.

The fireballs spectacle, which has left scientists scratching their heads in
disbelief, occurs around the full moon of the 11th month of the lunar year,
or at the end of Buddhist Lent.

According to local legend, the fireballs are discharged by a Naga, a
mythical serpent in the Mekong River, to celebrate the return of the Lord
Buddha from heaven at the end of Buddhist Lent.

According to an unofficial report on FM 90.5 MHz radio station, altogether
67 Naga fireballs were counted in the sky this year. The first one was
witnessed in Ratana Wapi sub-district around 6.10pm. Observers at Wat Tai in
Phon Phisai municipality found the event extremely disappointing this year
because not a single fireball was disgorged from that part of the river.

Ratana Wapi sub-district this year saw 43 Naga fireballs, the highest
number, followed by Phon Phisai (16), Sangkhom (5) and Tha Bo (3). Last
year, a total of 301 fireballs were observed.

More than 20,000 visitors, both local and foreign, also flocked to Khong
Chiam district of Ubon Ratchathani to get a closer glimpse of the mysterious
spectacle, where 27 flares were seen.


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