The Fireballs of Naga occur annually in Thailand’s Nong Khai province, with pink, red, and orange fireballs leaping from the Mekong River for three days. Legend attributes the phenomenon to a mythical river serpent, while scientists suggest it may be caused by heated gases from decomposed plants and animals. The Mekong River is a 2,610-mile waterway that provides protein for nearly 50 million people in Southeast Asia, but hydroelectric dams could cut fish supply by up to half.
There is a river in Thailand that spews fireballs, called the Fireballs of Naga. The phenomenon takes place in Nong Khai province along the Mekong River and has been happening every year for hundreds of years. On the eleventh lunar month, coinciding with the end of Buddhist Lent, pink, red and orange fireballs leap from the river into the sky for about three days, and the occasion is celebrated with a feast. Legend claims that the fireballs are caused by a mythical river serpent creature, but scientists believe they may be the result of the release of heated gases from decomposed plants and animals at the bottom of the river.
More information about the Mekong River:
The Mekong River flows 2,610 miles (4,200 km) in Southeast Asia, from China to Vietnam.
Fish from this river is estimated to provide the main source of protein for nearly 50 million people in Southeast Asia.
The Mekong River Commission said building hydroelectric dams in the river would supply up to 8 percent of the area’s energy needs by 2025, but critics say the dams could cut the fish supply by up to half.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
