The phenomenon of 'shadow spraying' on the Mekong River

On October 4, 2009, when people and visitors were standing in line on the edge of the river, suddenly from the river surface dozens of bright pink balls flew up, like a symphony.

In Thailand there is a natural phenomenon that attracts the attention of many scientists. Every year, local residents often gather along the Mekong River (Nong Khai Province) to see firsthand the spheres of light rising from the river. People call it "man fai paya nak" or "dragon ball spray".

On October 4, 2009, when people and visitors were standing in line on the edge of the river, suddenly from the river surface dozens of bright pink balls flew up, like a symphony. Tourists and residents excitedly applauded together. Just a few minutes later, the fireballs disappeared into the night sky.

This phenomenon usually occurs in about 1-3 days in a year, on the last day of the Thai Buddhist Feast usually held in October. When appears, the balls do not make good sound. smoke, sometimes red, pink or white. They can fly up to 100m away from the river and can only be seen at night.

According to local legend, there is a dragon living in the river and it is believed that the fireballs are blown out by the dragon. People said they saw this phenomenon a long time ago.
The solution of the scientists

Fireballs are just a natural phenomenon, can be explained by science. They are the 'works' of natural gas combustion. Even a doctor who conducted the research on his own for a long time, he proved that the methane deposits rising from the river bed were the 'culprit' that caused this phenomenon.

However, the Thai Ministry of Science has a different view. They agreed that the cause was due to natural gas, but this was the result of photphin burns.

Why did this phenomenon happen only in October? - Because the accumulation of gas at the bottom of the river culminates in October. At that time, the gas accumulated long time will burst into balls with mysterious light.