Minister Chalermchai Alarmed by High Fire Risk in Tak and Kanchanaburi, Deploys MNRE Helicopters for Aerial Firefighting—Orders Immediate Crackdown on Illegal Burning per PM’s Directive

On January 28, 2025, Dr. Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), expressed concern over the high number of wildfire hotspots in Tak, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phetchabun, and Chaiyaphum. Most of these hotspots are located in forests, agricultural lands, and Agricultural Land Reform zones, with particularly severe outbreaks in Tak and Kanchanaburi, where dry dipterocarp forests dominate the landscape.

In response, MNRE helicopters have been deployed to combat wildfires in Tak and Kanchanaburi areas since January 27, 2025. Aerial surveys in Erawan National Park, Srinakarin Dam National Park, and Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi revealed multiple active fire sites, especially in areas with high fuel loads of dried bamboo. Some fire locations are deep within forests, making them inaccessible for ground teams, while others are near water sources, where ground crews can provide support. On January 28, Helicopter 1110 was deployed to conduct water-dropping operations over Mae Pla Soi Forest, alongside a 20-member ground firefighting team.

For Tak Province, where the highest number of hotspots has been detected, two MNRE helicopters were dispatched to conduct aerial fire assessments in Doi Soi Malai-Petrified Wood National Park, Mae Salid-Pong Daeng National Reserved Forest, and Mae Tho-Huai Tak Right Bank National Reserved Forest. Working in coordination with district officials from Mueang Tak district and Ban Tak district, aerial operations have conducted 63 water drops (31,500 liters) in Doi Soi Malai-Petrified Wood National Park and Mae Salid-Pong Daeng Reserved Forest, as well as 20 drops (10,000 liters) in Mae Tho-Huai Tak Right Bank Reserved Forest. These efforts have partially contained the fires, slowing their spread to allow ground crews to continue suppression efforts.

MNRE helicopters remain stationed in both provinces for ongoing fire monitoring and suppression in collaboration with the Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment and local agencies.

Furthermore, Minister Chalermchai has strictly ordered immediate legal action against anyone caught starting fires, following the Prime Minister’s directive. In Prachinburi Province, where agricultural burning remains a major issue, MNRE has instructed Prachinburi’s environmental office to coordinate with the provincial governor to enforce strict law enforcement against violators.

Dr. Chalermchai also announced that on January 30, 2025, he will visit Lamphun and Chiang Mai to assess wildfire conditions in Northern Thailand. His visit will include discussions with local officials to ensure the efficient allocation of central government funds for addressing wildfires, haze pollution, and PM2.5 air pollution, pending Cabinet approval. He emphasized the importance of community engagement, urging village heads, local leaders, and forest rangers to work together to prevent wildfires. His goal is to mitigate the impact of air pollution during the dry season, ensuring public health and a stable tourism environment during peak travel months.