Releasing of fire lanterns is one of the ways that the northern Thai people celebrate Loi Krathong (also know as Lee Peng) - a colourful festival held every year on the full moon of the twelfth month in the Thai Lunar Calendar.
However, there is increasing concern about the numbers of lanterns being lit and of the potential dangers to aircraft but also of fire. The remnants of the burned out lanterns are also problematic in terms of litter and danger to animals, as you might imagine.
It is nonetheless such a magical spectacle that we got carried away and joined in with the crowd to release a lantern. Here you can see mine floating up to join some of the others in the sky, with the full moon watching over it.