Nong Khai Prepares Viewing Sites for Naga Fireball Festival
Nong Khai province is preparing multiple Mekong River viewing sites for the annual Naga fireball phenomenon on Ok Phansa night, October 26. The Deputy Governor inspected facilities in Pon Phisai and Rattanawapi districts, where parking, activity zones, and safety measures are being readied for an expected influx of tourists.
On October 21, Deputy Governor Phithun Mahachuenjai visited Naga fireball viewing spots along the Mekong River in Pon Phisai and Rattanawapi districts to monitor preparations for parking, tourism activity zones, and visitor safety. This year Ok Phansa falls on October 26, and each year at dusk on that night pinkish-red fireballs rise from the river — believed by locals to be offerings from the mythical Naga king to the Buddha. Villagers say the phenomenon has been visible since 1966, once called 'ghost fireballs' and largely ignored. Known viewing areas include Ban Nam Pe, Ban Tha Muang-Tan Chum, Ban Phon Phaeng, Ban Ton in Rattanawapi, and Ban Nong Kung in Pon Phisai, where districts and communities have cleaned and landscaped sites for tourists.
