Another Volunteer Firefighter Found Dead in Thailand Fire Battle

A volunteer firefighter was discovered dead in Wang Chin district, Phrae province, after being reported missing while combating a forest fire. Decha Tathika’s body was found near his cashew plantation, close to a community forest. This tragic incident follows the recent death of another volunteer, Boonma Phadaeng, in Chiang Mai.

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The grim discovery was reported by Prawit Jaikham, the chief of Wiang Kosai National Park. Decha had been working with fellow volunteers to prevent the forest fire from reaching nearby villages and farmlands. After failing to return home on Saturday evening, a search team located his body in the forest the next day. The cause of death will be determined following an autopsy at Wang Chin District Hospital.

This marks the second loss of a firefighter volunteer within a week in northern Thailand. On April 1, Boonma Phadaeng’s body was found under similar circumstances in Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai. The recurrence of such fatalities underscores the dangers faced by volunteers in managing forest fires in the region.

Experts and local officials express deep concern over the increasing frequency of these tragic events. The hazardous and unpredictable nature of forest firefighting puts many volunteers at significant risk. The losses serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of safety and preparedness in such operations.

Moving forward, local authorities may consider revising training programs and safety protocols to better protect those on the frontlines. Increased community support and government intervention could be crucial in preventing further tragedies.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Thai PBS · 06 Apr 2026