Chiang Mai has declared wildfire disaster zones in two districts as worsening forest fires and haze continue to impact northern areas, prompting authorities to accelerate emergency assistance and recovery efforts.
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Provincial officials have designated Samoeng and Hot as disaster-affected areas and emergency assistance zones to speed up support for residents affected by the ongoing crisis. The move enables faster deployment of aid, damage assessments and rehabilitation measures in communities facing significant disruption.
In Samoeng district, the declaration covers four sub-districts: Samoeng Tai, Mae Sap, Samoeng Nuea and Yang Moen. Forest fires have continued to spread across woodland areas, affecting nearby communities and contributing to hazardous air conditions.
In Hot district, six sub-districts have been included in the emergency zone: Hang Dong, Ban Tan, Na Kho Ruea, Hot, Bo Luang and Bo Sali. Wildfires in these areas have caused damage to both property and residents’ livelihoods, increasing the urgency of coordinated government response.
Authorities have instructed state agencies, local administrative organisations and relevant bodies to urgently assess damage on the ground. Immediate assistance is being prioritised, including livelihood support for affected residents and rehabilitation of impacted areas.
The worsening haze, driven by ongoing fires and accumulated smoke, continues to pose risks to public health and daily life. Officials remain on alert as conditions show little sign of immediate improvement, with multiple areas still vulnerable to further outbreaks.
The disaster designation reflects escalating efforts by provincial authorities to contain the fires and mitigate their effects. It also highlights the broader seasonal challenge of wildfires and air pollution that regularly affects northern Thailand during this period.
The Nation reported that officials have confirmed that monitoring will continue closely in both districts and surrounding areas. Further measures may be introduced if the situation deteriorates, particularly in response to health risks linked to prolonged haze exposure.
Pictures courtesy of The Nation
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 1 Apr 2026