Bang Fai Phaya Nark in scientific views
In scientific concerns, Dr. Kanoksilpa, a pediatrician at Nong Khai hospital, has continuously studied this phenomenon for four years, including scientifically conducted experiment to investigate its occurrence. Here is a brief information (Panida, 2538 B.E. : 78-79)
Bang Fai Phaya Nark may be an amount of physical matter that can rise through water. It may be a color-less and smell-less self-inflammable gas that is lighter than the air.
The conditions at which the phenomenon can occur are the areas of 4.55-13.40 meters deep and underwater puddles that contain gasses.
Those gasses are believed to be organic materials such as dung, plant and animal remains. These fermented substances create adequate amount of gases to emerge from the paddles and rise through water to the air above water surface. The amount of gas in a fireball is around 200 cc. When the 100 to 200 cc gas balls rises 20 feet to water surface, its size expands up to 310 cc. When it rises 1-4 meters above water surface, its size reduces to 100-200 cc, which is not larger than an orange size, it then starts to be self-inflammable.
These properties exist in hot gasses of which Methane and Nitrogen gases are their main components.
Travelling to experience the "Bang Fai Phaya Nark" phenomenon
The Bang Fai Phaya Nark phenomenon annually takes place for years. Public previously ignored it. However, it is now very well known. Thousands of people flock to Nong Khai province and spread to various locations for spotting the mysterious naga fireballs, especially in Phon Phisai, Sung Kom, Sri Chiang Mai, and Pak Khad districts.
The more detailed story can be viewed in the Journal of Arts and Culture, year 16th, Vol.4, February 2538 B.E.
In 2545 B.E. (2002 A.D.), the Thai Buddhist Lent is Monday, Oct 21st. It was, however, forecasted that the Naga fireballs would be mostly observed on Tuesday, Oct 22nd, because this day coincides with the Laotian Buddhist Lent.
Travelling to experience the Naga fireballs can be made via various means. The buses from Bangkok are available daily and it takes 10 hours to reach Nong Khai province at the cost of 545 Thai Baht. Having arrived Nong Khai, local transportation to each spotting areas such as Sri Chiang Mai, Pak Khad, and Bung Kan districts. The Naga firballs are most seen in Phon Phisai district. More details of spotting locations are available locally.