The Naga fireballs (Thai: บั้งไฟพญานาค, bangfai payanak) are a phenomenon seen in the Mekong river - in Thailand (Nong Khai province and Isan) and in Laos - in which glowing balls rise from depths. The balls are reddish in colour and about the size of an egg; they rise a couple of hundred metres before disappearing. The number of fireballs is variable, being reported at between tens and thousands per night^[1]. View of the Mekong before the sunset The Mekong is one of the worlds major rivers. ... Nong Khai (Thai หนองคาย) is the one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... For other uses, see Isan (disambiguation). ...

The fireballs have been seen for centuries and are most often reported around the night of Wan Awk Pansa - the end of the Buddhist rains retreat - in October, although displays have also been reported in March, April, May, June and September. Wan Awk Pansa (Thai วันออกพรรษา) is the last day of the Thai Buddhist Lent. ...

The cause of the phenomenon is unclear: it has been proposed that the balls are produced by the fermentation of sediment in the river, which can combust in the particular river and atmospheric conditions of the nights in question. For other uses, see Fermentation. ... This article or section cites very few or no references or sources. ... For other uses, see River (disambiguation). ...

A programme on Thai television in 2002 suggested that they were produced by tracer fire from soldiers on the Lao side of the river. This provoked furious protests from local villagers, who believe that the balls are produced by a serpent, the Naga or Phaya Naga, living in the river. Popular Thai language newspapers also supported the Naga theory. Also see: 2002 (number). ... Tracers from M16 rifles on U.S. Army firing range Tracer ammunition (tracers) use special bullets that are modified to accept a small pyrotechnic charge in their base. ... The nagas ( snake) are an ancient race of snake-humanoid beings first depicted in ancient Vedic Hindu mythology and oral folklore from at least 5000 B.C.E. Stories involving the Nagas are still very much a part of contemporary cultural traditions in predominantly Hindu (India, Nepal, and the island... Photograph circulated in Laos supposedly depicting a phaya naga captured in Laos by U.S. servicemen in 1968 The Phaya Naga or Naga are serpent-like creatures believed by locals to live in the Laotian stretch of the Mekong river. ...

The phenomenon has gained much prominence since the furore over the TV programme, as well as the 2002 film by director Jira Maligool, Mekhong Full Moon Party. Also see: 2002 (number). ... Jira Maligool (Thai จิระ มะลิกุล, born 1961) is a Thai film director, screenwriter and producer. ...

Previously known as the ghost fireballs, the event has now had its name changed and is being promoted as a festival to attract tourists. For other uses, see Festival (disambiguation). ... A tourist boat travels the River Seine in Paris, France Tourism can be defined as the act of travel for the purpose of recreation, and the provision of services for this act. ...

See also

• Ball lightning
• St. Elmo's Fire
• Will o' the wisp

For other uses, see Ball lightning (disambiguation). ... St. ... For other uses, see Will-o-the-wisp (disambiguation). ...

References

1. ^ http://nationmultimedia.com/search/page.arcview.php?clid=2&id=67912&usrsess= Real life fireballs a damp squib as rains come down, The Nation, Bangkok's Independent Newspaper

External links

• English translation of Thai report on Bang Fai Phaya Nark (Naga fireballs), which gives the myth associated with the phenomenon, as well as a scientific explanation. [1]