How to Launch a Khoom Fay (Fire Lantern)

Khoom Fay are traditional Thai hot air lanterns, launched en masse during Loi Krathong, the Thai festival of lights. Made from thin tissue paper and bamboo, they take to the sky in the thousands, lighting up the sky and supposedly stealing away with the year's bad luck.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Carefully unpack the khoom fay. A khoom fay's paper is very light and delicate, so you want to make sure that it doesn't tear.
2. Soak one circular paper wick in lamp oil and squeeze out the excess oil. For cleanliness' sake, you should definitely perform this step with gloves.
3. Attach the wick right below the lantern--there should be two wire tags, which you twist onto the cross wires at the base. This burning wick will provide the hot air necessary to give the khoom fay its lift.
4. Make sure that the lantern is fully extended--there should be no creases and it should not be hanging sideways. Khoom fay catch fire very rarely while aloft, the biggest risk is while they're still on the ground.
5. Light the wick while holding the lantern upright. You may need a helper to perform both tasks simultaneously. The lantern will gradually fill with hot air and rise. Don't throw the lantern into the air, just guide it along as it inflates.

Tips & Warnings

• Paper wicks can be found in many hardware shops.
• Khoom fay can be re-used, provided they land without significant damage.
• Wear gloves and fire-resistant clothing, just in case, and keep a bucket of water at the ready.
• Never use khoom fay near airports and roads and as far away as possible from fuel sources.
• Do not tether the lanterns. A slight wind could push the casing into the flame.