Thailand calls on people to burn incense and votive paper online during Tet

The Thai government has called on people to burn votive paper online instead of burning real paper to reduce air pollution during the Lunar New Year.

Thailand has a large Chinese community that still maintains the custom of burning incense and paper money during Lunar New Year ceremonies. However, with the alarming air pollution situation, government spokesman Anukul Pruesanusak on January 26 called on people to limit the burning of incense and paper money, according to The Nation .

Fireworks are set off to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Narathiwat province, southern Thailand, on January 25.

Instead, the official encouraged burning “virtual” or “digital” joss paper money online. Mr. Anukul urged people to perform rituals and burn incense online instead of burning real incense.

Many major cities in Thailand, especially the capital Bangkok, have been affected by high concentrations of PM2.5 fine dust and the government is committed to improving air quality.

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Burning joss paper money and other offerings will worsen air pollution, not to mention the risk of fire, said spokesman Anukul.

The 2025 Lunar New Year will begin on January 29. The Thai government has called for increased fire prevention measures during the holiday, as many businesses will be closed for several days to celebrate the new year.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thai-lan-keu-goi-nguoi-dan-thap-nhang-dot-vang-ma-online-trong-dip-tet-185250128092324397.htm