“Bangfaipayanak” is a phenomenon of red spark that throw up from Mekong River to the sky. It usually occurs in the end of Buddhist lent. It is very surprise that there is no smoke, no smell and no voice from red spark. The height is about 20-30 metres. Then it disappears without coming down as curve like other Bangfai.(Bangfai means bamboo tube which contains saltpeter and mix with embers. Afterwards, bring to crush and stuff in bamboo tube. There are 3 sizes of Bangfai namely Bangfai Noi, Bangfai Muen and Bangfai Saen. Thai tradition always have many contest of Bangfai in field of beauty.) The size of sparks start since a thumb until an egg size. The amounts of them are varied. This event takes around 3 hours from 6 pm to 9 pm. The majority area that occur of this phenomenon is Mekhong River especially in Amphur Phonpisai, Amphur Pakkad, Amphur Sangkhom, Amphur Sri Chiangmai and Amphur Buengkan which located in Nongkhai Province.

Payanak is Thai word mean Naga. People believe that Naga is god. The appearance of Naga are full of power. Besides Naga can impersonate to be human. Naga is ascetic and give alms. He lives in nether world city.

According to Thai belief, there is god in Mekong River which we call Naga. Each of year, amounts of people are dead in Mekong River. People believe that it occurs from God in river. Thus, they built shrine namely “Song Nang Goddess” at coast of Mekong River to worship and protect from any danger for people who work in Mekong River. 

Moreover, it is to believe that every year when Buddhist lent end. It is the day that God come down from second heaven to the world. Many Nagas who live in Mekong River will congratulate by lighting firework for offering the Buddha. People call “Bangfaipayanak”.

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According to legend of Bangfaipayanak phenomenon, Naga has a close relationship to people for a long time since Buddha’s lifetime period. Mujlin Naga spread out to protect Buddha from any obstructions.

Many buddhist saints who strictly practice the Dharman say that when there is meditation practice, many Nagas come to listen a sermon.

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