Tourists flock to witness Naga fireballs in Thai Northeast

BANGKOK, October 18 (TNA) - Traffic at the center of Nong Khai province in the Thai Northeast has become congested, as international tourists are storming into the province along the Mekong River to witness the yearly-amazing Naga fireball phenomenon at the end of the three-month Buddhist Lent. The traffic congestion has been particularly reported on a section of the Mitraphap Highway, from Udon Thani to Nong Khai provinces, while hotel rooms near the Mekong River have already been fully reserved. Thawatchai Kongphet, Commander of territorial defence volunteers in Nong Khai, told reporters on Friday that his staffs have also prepared a camp ground, where about 30 tents are set up together with shower rooms, toilets and security guards around the clock, for the international visitors. Anuchit Sakulkhu, President of Nong Khai's Tourism Promotion Association, assessed that the local economy and tourism should grow by 30-40 per cent for the time being, compared with the same period last year. Anuchit said this year's Naga fireballs at night are expected to take off from the Mekong River on October 19 and 20. (TNA)