Thousands Gather for Naga Fireball Festival in Nong Khai

Tourists and locals spread mats, set up chairs, and opened umbrellas along the Mekong River at Wat Thai in Pon Phisai district, Nong Khai, the main venue for the royal tribute ceremony to the Naga King at the Naka Buek Fah grounds. Amid sweltering heat, crowds arrived early to claim riverside spots, waiting through the afternoon and into the evening for the Naga fireball phenomenon on Ok Phansa night. Today's program includes the royal tribute ceremony and a Naga dance performance featuring Jiraporn Saladang, also known as Maymint, a 2026-born Thai woman. Many visitors from other provinces said they had never witnessed the Naga fireballs on Ok Phansa in person, only in news reports, and wanted to experience the power of faith in the Naga at least once in their lives, so they invited friends to join the pilgrimage.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Chalermsak Suksamran, Commander of Nong Khai Provincial Police, along with Deputy Commanders Pol. Col. Sakon Sittiwichai and Pol. Col. Surakit Kuan-kruea, deployed police officers and rescue volunteers to facilitate the public and safeguard lives and property, with a focus on traffic management. A force of 400 officers was stationed throughout the province along all routes, intersections, and risk points. Although the highway from Nong Khai to Rattanawapi district has been widened to four lanes, police continue to regulate traffic flow to prevent congestion. Authorities also urged parents to supervise children playing with fireworks, firecrackers, and sparklers to avoid disturbing fireball viewers and to ensure safety.