Screaming Panic as Fire Rains Down on Koh Phangan ‘Full Moon’ NYE Party

An unknown number of tourists suffered burns and injuries when a pyrotechnic meltdown prompted panic New Year’s Eve on Koh Phangan.

Revelers screamed and ran when a fiery sign reading “Happy New Year 2017” rained fire upon them just after midnight, an incident caught in a number of videos and images posted to social media.

“My whole body was burning; I could feel sparks stinging my face, legs and arms. It felt as though all of my skin was on fire,” Kiwi Madison Reidy told New Zealand’s News Now.

Reidy said gusting winds blew the embers onto where people were dancing.

British tabloid Daily Mirror includes an unsubstantiated report that someone died in the incident.

Reached for comment, Lt. Col. Somsak Noorod of Ko Phangan police said there could not have been fireworks on New Year’s Eve as fireworks are banned.

His boss, police chief Somchai Nopsri, repeated that but said it didn’t apply to the sign.
“But yes, there was a thing reading ‘Happy New Year 2017.’ It wasn’t fireworks,” Col. Somchai said. “I don’t know what it was called. That thing is still here with me.”He said he felt the heat as well.
“I was there at the scene. I’d say it was like a torch, not fireworks,” Somchai said. “It rained down on me too.”
http://www.samuitimes.com/screaming-pan ... nye-party/

VIDEO:

hanno wrote:Looks exactly like fireworks to me but, admittedly, I am no expert.

Ah well, luckily it only affected soap-dodging, banana-pancake-eating, elephant-pants wearing Hipsters. Nobody of any relevance got injured.

"It wasn’t fireworks,” Col. Somchai said. “I don’t know what it was called. "

When is a firework not a firework? When its a sign!

I wish to send my strong recovery wishes to all the injured backpackers and hipsters.
I am also concerned that some might have escaped any harm but could still be deeply traumatized by what should only be seen as a fluke incident given Thailand safety reccords. That is why I also sincerely hope that all the buckets made it back safely. They will be paramount to help all psychological victims back to their life.

Canadian dies on Koh Phangan during New Year’s Eve celebrations

A Canadian man who died during the New Year’s Eve celebrations on Koh Phangan is said to have drowned. According to a report in the Global Affairs officials are providing assistance to his family during this difficult time.
Reports suggest that the Canadian had gone swimming with a woman whose nationality is unknown despite a ban on swimming due to high waves. The woman who was also injured was treated in a local hospital. So far she has not been named.
Samui Times