Thai PBS Verify found the source of the information from: Threads
Verification found a clip of “sky lanterns” from an event held during the Yi Peng festival in Chiang Mai. The post-Loy Krathong night atmosphere was so beautiful that many social media users questioned whether the video was real or created with AI. The clip has received more than 3,000 likes and over 1,000 shares.
The caption reads: “So beautiful, so beautiful that I wish everyone could come see it together. Yi Peng, Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival.”
Was the sky lantern clip created by AI?
Chanon Puttima, owner of the Liveincnx page and the person who posted the video, confirmed to Thai PBS Verify that the clip is real and not generated by AI. He stated that he filmed it himself using his personal smartphone at a sky lantern event in Chiang Mai on 5 November 2025.
“It’s a live recording, not edited or made with AI. I have the full footage. I only adjusted the light and color slightly,” he said.
Other clips from the same lantern event, also posted on the Liveincnx page, show the page owner appearing in the footage as well.
An image of the clip’s metadata, as shared by the owner of the Liveincnx page.
An image of the clip’s metadata, as shared by the owner of the Liveincnx page.
A public advisory on sky lantern releases in Chiang Mai
Checks with provincial agencies in Chiang Mai confirm that Yi Peng celebrations were held and sky lantern releases were permitted during that period, matching the date and location shown in the clip.
For the 2025 Yi Peng Festival, Chiang Mai issued strict regulations on the lighting and releasing of lanterns and fireworks. These included prohibitions, designated release times, and specific areas where lantern releases were not allowed.
According to the Chiang Mai Provincial Public Relations Office’s announcement, “Chiang Mai issues strict measures on lantern and firework releases during the 2025 Yi Peng Festival to emphasize safety and penalties for violators,” the guidelines are as follows:
Chiang Mai Province has issued operational measures regarding permission to light and release sky lanterns, fire lanterns, smoke lanterns (Wao Hom), fireworks, and similar objects during the Yi Peng Festival 2025, which took place on 5–6 November 2025. The measures aim to ensure the safety of lives, property, and aircraft, while preserving Chiang Mai’s cultural traditions. The province specified strict no-release zones with clear penalties, as well as timeframes for areas where permission can be granted.
For smoke lanterns, release was allowed only on 5 November 2025, which was the day of the small Loy Krathong festival, between 10:00–12:00. They were strictly prohibited within the Toffy Zone, the designated aviation safety zone.
For sky lanterns, fire lanterns, and fireworks, release was permitted on 5–6 November 2025 from 19:00 to 01:00 the following day, and only within approved areas. Releases were strictly prohibited in two zones which are the Aviation Safety Zone (Toffy Zone) and the Level 1 Special Surveillance Zone (Red Zone)
Residents wishing to release lanterns or fireworks outside the absolute no-release zones had to apply for permission from the district chief through the “Bampen” application within the specified timeframe (application details and login credentials available at district offices).
Chiang Mai designated strict no-release areas to maximize public safety. These areas include the Toffy Zone and the Red Zone, covering 6 districts and 39 subdistricts, namely:
- Mueang Chiang Mai District (all subdistricts)
- Hang Dong District (all subdistricts)
- Saraphi District (Khuamung, Don Kaew, Sansai, Thawangtan, and Nong Phueng)
- San Sai District (Nong Han)
- Mae Rim District (Don Kaew, Muang Kaeo, Rim Tai, Mae Sa, Rim Nuea)
- San Pa Tong District (Thung Tom)
Those who light or release lanterns or fireworks without permission, or outside the designated zones, face penalties of up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both. If the action leads to a fire, the penalty increases to up to 7 years in prison and a fine of up to 140,000 baht.
Additionally, the announcement emphasizes that anyone who manufactures, orders, imports, or trades (sells) fireworks must obtain proper authorization from the local registrar, according to the Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks, and Imitation Firearms Act B.E. 2490 (1947).
If anyone is found manufacturing or trading fireworks without a permit, they will be prosecuted according to the law. Authorities also emphasize that firing guns into the air without cause in cities, villages, or communities is strictly prohibited. Anyone caught doing so will face legal action and immediate revocation of their firearm license.
AI experts confirm the clip is real
Sathaphon Patanakuha, CEO of Guardian AI, stated that when comparing the clip with other videos from the same event, the environment and background are consistent. He confirmed that the clip is a genuine video, not created with AI, though it may have undergone slight color or lighting adjustments to enhance its appearance.
When footage from the Liveincnx channel is compared with videos from other users who attended the same lantern event, the visuals appear consistent.
(Left) Image from the Liveincnx video clip, (Right) Image from the account togetherth_
When searching for the term “Yi Peng” on YouTube, similar clips with matching environments can be found. (Source: YouTube channel “REAL THAILAND 4K”)
(Left) Image from Liveincnx page video (Right) Image from the account togetherth_
When searching for the term Yi Peng on YouTube, we found similar clips with a comparable environment. (Source: YouTube channel “REAL THAILAND 4K”)
How can we tell AI-generated images from real ones ?
Today’s AI tools can create and alter images or videos with such realism that it’s often difficult to distinguish what’s real from what’s fake. However, you can still look for some basic indicators:
- Look for small details:
AI-generated images often contain subtle mistakes that are easy to overlook, such as distorted or misshapen fingers, missing body parts, misspelled text or logos, or surfaces and textures that don’t match the surrounding light and shadows. Noticing these small inconsistencies can help you identify AI-created visuals.
- Beware of images that look “too perfect”:
AI images often appear overly smooth and flawless, almost like they’ve been excessively retouched — for example, people without wrinkles, shadows, or natural textures. Backgrounds may also look unrealistically beautiful, with lighting or atmosphere that feels artificial. These can be signs that the image was generated by AI.
- Use reverse image search tools:
If you’re still unsure whether an image comes from a real event, try Reverse Image Search tools such as Google Lens, Bing Visual Search (Microsoft), Baidu Image Search, or Yandex Images. These tools help you check where the image has appeared online and whether it matches real-world sources.
Real images usually appear across multiple sources and are shared at different times, while AI-generated images are often found in only a few places or come from accounts known for using image-generation tools.
What’s the real story ?
Checks confirm that the sky lantern clip is a real video, not created with AI. Chanon Puttima, owner of the Liveincnx page, verified that he filmed it himself on his smartphone at a lantern event in Chiang Mai on 5 November 2025, with only minor light and color adjustments.
Other clips posted on the same page show matching surroundings and backgrounds, supporting the authenticity of the footage. This aligns with the assessment of an expert from Guardian AI, who confirmed that the clip is genuine and shows no signs of AI generation or manipulation.
