Chiang Mai tackles wildfires and PM2.5, warns 8 southern districts at high risk

Matichon•Society•12h ago

Reader Briefing

Chiang Mai intensifies efforts to combat wildfires and PM2.5, focusing on high-risk southern districts due to anticipated low rainfall.

•Chiang Mai convened a meeting on February 17, 2026, to address wildfire and PM2.5 issues.
•The province is concerned about 8 southern districts being at high risk for wildfires, accounting for 65% of potential incidents.
•Anticipated low rainfall and drought conditions necessitate stricter preventative measures and fire reduction targets below the 5-year average.
•A burning ban is in effect from January 1, 2026, with enhanced enforcement and community engagement planned.

Overview

•On February 17, 2026, Governor Ratthapol Naradit chaired a meeting on wildfire and PM2.5 at Ob Luang National Park, Amphoe Hot.
•The province has issued a burning ban from January 1, 2026, and is preparing resources to combat fires.
•Governor Ratthapol Naradit ordered tightened control measures and a reduction in fires below the 5-year average due to anticipated low rainfall.
•8 southern districts are identified as high-risk areas, accounting for 65% of total potential fires.
•The 5-year average for fires is being used as a benchmark, with a goal to reduce current fire occurrences below this level.
•Anticipated low rainfall and high drought conditions in 2026 are driving the need for proactive and stricter measures.
•Residents in 8 southern districts are at a 65% higher risk of wildfire impacts.
•Deputy Governor Boonlue Thamthanurak is tasked with discussing fire management strategies with 16 sub-districts in 8 southern districts.

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Source: Matichon (Original)

Key Quotes

รัฐพล นราดิศร

"The province has issued a burning ban from January 1, 2026, and is preparing budget, personnel, tools, machinery, and aircraft for operations. We are now entering the emergency response phase."

จังหวัดออกประกาศห้ามเผาตั้งแต่วันที่ 1 มกราคม 2026 และเตรียมความพร้อมทั้งด้านงบประมาณ บุคลากร เครื่องมือ เครื่องจักร และอากาศยานสนับสนุนการปฏิบัติการ ขณะนี้กำลังเข้าสู่ช่วงเผชิญเหตุ

รัฐพล นราดิศร

"We must reduce the number of fires below the 5-year average, while emphasizing law enforcement and measures regarding rights and benefits for livelihoods and government support."

ต้องทำให้จำนวนไฟลดลงต่ำกว่าค่าเฉลี่ย 5 ปีที่ผ่านมา พร้อมกำชับการบังคับใช้กฎหมายและมาตรการได้สิทธิ–เสียสิทธิประโยชน์ด้านการทำกินและการสนับสนุนจากภาครัฐ

น.ส.ณัชธน์กมล พ่อค้า

"In 2024, we found over 1,300 hot spots. In 2025, this dropped to over 700, a 43% decrease. As of now in 2026, Mae Hong Son district has zero wildfire statistics."

ปี 2024 พบจุดความร้อนกว่า 1,300 จุด ปี 2025 ลดลงเหลือกว่า 700 จุด ลดลง 43% และปี 2026 ขณะนี้สถิติไฟป่าในพื้นที่อำเภอฮอดยังเป็นศูนย์

Key Entities

Place

Chiang Mai(เชียงใหม่)ℹ️

Province in Thailand where discussions on wildfire and PM2.5 are taking place.

Ob Luang National Park(อุทยานแห่งชาติออบหลวง)

Location in Amphoe Hot, Chiang Mai, where the committee meeting was held.

Amphoe Hot(อำเภอฮอด)

District in Chiang Mai province, hosting the meeting and identified as a high-risk area.

Amphoe Doi Tao(อำเภอดอยเต่า)

District in Chiang Mai identified as having the highest number of heat sources and a special area of concern for wildfires.

Amphoe Mae On(อำเภอแม่ออน)

District in Chiang Mai where an out-of-season wildfire was controlled using aircraft.

Amphoe Chiang Dao(อำเภอเชียงดาว)

District in Chiang Mai where fires are beginning to be observed.

Amphoe Sansai(อำเภอสันทราย)

District in Chiang Mai where fires are beginning to be observed.

Bhumibol Dam Forest Cluster(กลุ่มป่าเขื่อนภูมิพล)

Area for which a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is being prepared to manage forests collaboratively.

Mae Chaem(แม่แจ่ม)

District in Chiang Mai that experienced a significant number of heat sources between January 1 and February 15, 2026.

Omkoi(อมก๋อย)

District in Chiang Mai that experienced a significant number of heat sources between January 1 and February 15, 2026.

Person

Mr. Ratthapol Naradit(นายรัฐพล นราดิศร)

Governor of Chiang Mai, presiding over the meeting concerning wildfire and PM2.5.

Mr. Boonlue Thamthanurak(นายบุญลือ ธรรมธรานุรักษ์)

Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai, assigned to coordinate fire management with sub-districts.

Mr. Siwakorn Buapong(นายศิวกร บัวป้อง)

Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai, attending the committee meeting.

Mr. Kritchayaam Kongsathri(นายกริชสยาม คงสตรี)

Director of the 16th Chiang Mai Conservation Area Office, reporting on wildfire situation.

Mr. Somkid Panyadee(นายสมคิด ปัญญาดี)

Director of the Chiang Mai Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office, attending the meeting.

Ms. Natchakamon Phokkha(น.ส.ณัชธน์กมล พ่อค้า)

District Chief of Amphoe Hot, reporting on fire statistics and local measures.

Organization

16th Chiang Mai Conservation Area Office(สำนักพื้นที่อนุรักษ์ที่ 16 เชียงใหม่)

Government agency responsible for conservation in the Chiang Mai region.

Chiang Mai Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office(สำนักงานทรัพยากรธรรมชาติและสิ่งแวดล้อมจังหวัดเชียงใหม่)

Provincial office focused on natural resources and environmental management in Chiang Mai.

Integrated Committee for Solving Wildfire and PM2.5 Dust Problems(คณะกรรมการแก้ไขปัญหาไฟป่าและฝุ่นละอองขนาดเล็ก PM2.5แบบบูรณาการ)

Committee established in Chiang Mai to address wildfire and PM2.5 issues comprehensively.

Pollution Control Department(กรมควบคุมมลพิษ)ℹ️

Government department setting air quality standards that Chiang Mai aims to meet.

14th Conservation Area Office(สำนักบริหารพื้นที่อนุรักษ์ที่ 14)

Government agency collaborating with Chiang Mai on integrated forest management around Bhumibol Dam.

Northern Meteorological Center(ศูนย์อุตุนิยมวิทยาภาคเหนือ)

Entity providing weather forecasts for Chiang Mai, predicting lower-than-normal rainfall.

Law

Cabinet Resolution(มติคณะรัฐมนตรี)

Decision of the Thai cabinet guiding principles for fuel management.