Stepping Up Efforts against Forest Fires and Haze to Protect People from Health Hazards

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin has instructed the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and other relevant agencies to step up efforts to tackle forest fires and the haze problem in order to reduce PM 2.5 dust pollution and protect people from health hazards.

Mr. Suchart expressed his concern about the forest fire and haze situation, which is likely to worsen during this period because of cold weather and dryness in almost all parts of the country, especially in northern provinces. The situation must be curbed more effectively to ensure that the situation would not spread so widely that it would cause impacts to the people.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation reported that it had established 3,895 surveillance sites across the country to monitor the bushfire and haze situation. Among these sites, 2,082 are in 14 high-risk forest areas in the northern region, and regular patrols are being conducted to prevent smuggling activities for forest burning.

A proactive public relations campaign will be carried out to create better understanding among local communities, particularly in 17 northern provinces, and to seek their cooperation in fighting forest fires. This cooperation also includes the signing of memorandums of understanding with various communities in order to expand forest fire prevention networks.

As for integrated operations, the department is working with the Royal Forest Department, military units, volunteers, and the general public, with the use of the drone technology and helicopters to conduct surveillance missions and help extinguish forest fires. Fuel management will also be handled, with appropriate controls.

A total of 8,443 cumulative hotspots have been found in Thailand since 1 October 2025. Out of this number, 6,907 spots are located in agricultural areas and 1,536 in forest areas. On 12 January 2026, 70 hotspots have been found across the country, comprising 55 spots in agricultural and other areas and 15 spots in forest areas.

Members of the public have been urged to join forces with various sectors in monitoring the forest fire and haze situation. They may inform authorities about illegal actions involving forest burning at the hotline 1362 around the clock.

Source: PRD Thailand 

https://thailand.prd.go.th/en/content/category/detail/id/48/iid/464841