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Chaiyaphum wildfire: Akra Saen Kiri urges new govt to act on 5,000 rai blaze

Chaiyaphum wildfire: Akra Saen Kiri urges new govt to act on 5,000 rai blaze

Thairath•Politics•19h ago

Reader Briefing

Chaiyaphum wildfire consumes 5,000 rai as 'Akra Saen Kiri' appeals to new government for immediate action and long-term solutions.

  • •A wildfire is raging on Phu Laen Kha mountain in Chaiyaphum province, affecting over 5,000 rai.
  • •'Akra Saen Kiri,' a prospective MP, is urging the new Thai government to address the crisis.
  • •The fires are exacerbated by dry conditions, global warming, and agricultural burning practices, leading to high PM 2.5 levels.
  • •Challenges in firefighting include steep terrain, requiring extensive ground efforts and specialized equipment.

Overview

  • •On February 17, 2026, 'Akra Saen Kiri,' a prospective MP for Chaiyaphum, spoke out about the severe wildfire situation.
  • •The wildfire on Phu Laen Kha mountain in Chaiyaphum has been active for over three days.
  • •The wildfire has already caused damage estimated at no less than 5,000 rai.
  • •The fires are primarily due to severe dry conditions from global warming, making the dry season arrive earlier, and agricultural practices like burning sugarcane leaves.
  • •Air pollution from the fires has caused PM 2.5 levels to rise worryingly, impacting public health.
  • •On February 16, 2026, Chaiyaphum recorded 1,229 hotspots from agricultural and forest fires, ranking second in the country for such incidents.
  • •'Akra Saen Kiri' urged the new government to implement urgent measures to assist the public and prevent further spread.
  • •'Akra Saen Kiri' proposed setting up a wildfire prevention center for Phu Laen Kha and acquiring specialized equipment like firebreak tools and water-dropping drones.

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Source: Thairath (Original)

Key Quotes

Prasert Pholchuen
"“I want to convey to the incoming government, whoever it may be, that policies should listen to the people to lead to the country's genuine and sustainable problem-solving in the future.”"
“อยากฝากถึงว่าที่รัฐบาลใหม่ ไม่ว่าจะเป็นใคร ควรมีนโยบายที่ฟังเสียงจากประชาชนนำไปสู่การแก้ปัญหาที่แท้จริงของประเทศได้อย่างยั่งยืนตามมาในอนาคตได้อีกด้วย”
Akra Saen Kiri
"“I call on the new government to urgently solve the problem, not leaving it to the people. It should coordinate with relevant ministries to help the public, address the immediate issue to prevent the wildfire from spreading, and resolve the PM 2.5 problem.”"
“ขอเรียกร้องให้รัฐบาลใหม่เร่งแก้ปัญหาอย่างเร่งด่วน โดยอย่าปล่อยให้เป็นปัญหาของประชาชน ควรประสานกระทรวงที่เกี่ยวข้องช่วยเหลือประชาชน แก้ปัญหาเฉพาะหน้าไม่ให้ไฟป่าขยายวงไปยังพื้นที่อื่น รวมถึงแก้ปัญหาฝุ่น PM 2.5”

Key Entities

Person

Akra Saen Kiri(อัครแสนคีรี)
Prospective Member of Parliament (MP) for Chaiyaphum, Palang Dharm Party, advocating for government action on the Phu Laen Kha wildfire.

Place

Chaiyaphum(ชัยภูมิ)ℹ️
Province in Thailand experiencing a severe wildfire crisis on Phu Laen Kha mountain.
Phu Laen Kha(ภูแลนคา)
Mountainous area in Chaiyaphum province where a severe wildfire is occurring.

Organization

Palang Dharm Party(พรรคกล้าธรรม)
Political party of Akra Saen Kiri, a prospective MP raising concerns about the Phu Laen Kha wildfire.

Context

PM 2.5ℹ️
Particulate matter air pollution whose levels have significantly increased in Chaiyaphum due to the wildfire, impacting public health.