BANGKOK (NNT) - Natural Resources and Environment Minister Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan delivered a stern warning, declaring that those responsible for igniting forest fires will be met with severe legal repercussions, as he rolled out measures to combat the escalating issue and the surge in PM2.5 pollution in the North. 

 

A key strategy involves the reassignment of forces and the introduction of a “forest closure” policy, effectively banning entry into critical forested regions to prevent fires. The policy highlights the government's commitment to protecting these areas and holding violators accountable. The meeting outlined various approaches to firefighting, including ground surveillance, patrolling, aerial firefighting efforts, and constant monitoring of hotspots to prevent the outbreak of fires.

 

Pol Gen Patcharawat has called for enhanced coordination between local agricultural authorities and the establishment of a provincial operational center to oversee these efforts. This center, led by the provincial governor, is tasked with consolidating actions against the illegal burning of farm waste and other activities contributing to forest fires and pollution.

 

The minister also stressed the importance of public communication and awareness regarding the dangers of PM2.5 pollution, seeking to address the dual challenges of forest fires and air quality deterioration with urgency and efficiency.

 

By Krajangwit Johjit

 

Source: NNT 2024-03-11

 

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6 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan delivered a stern warning,

Well, that'll fix it surely?

a black cat went past us...and then another that looked just like it. 

Removing everything they have in their bank account and gifting a minimum prison sentence of 20 years will send a stern message. Burning is the number one blight on Thailand, and the world for that matter. Burners and arsonists are selfish a-holes!

2 minutes ago, daveAustin said:

Burners and arsonists are selfish a-holes!

 

Or subsistence farmers.🤔

Too little too late , they should be proactive , not waiting till the forests are alight ,its not a natural disaster ,

they know exactly where the fires are going to start ,as it's been going on for years ,  it's too late now ,but

they should have had police , rangers , army out in the hills , with drones ,road blocks ,stopping people getting

into the forests , prevent the fires before they start ,arrest the arsonists ,stiff prison terms ,there's no deterrent.....

 

regards worgeorgdie 

10 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan delivered a stern warning, declaring that those responsible for igniting forest fires will be met with severe legal repercussions, as he rolled out measures to combat the escalating issue and the surge in PM2.5 pollution in the North. 

Too damned late minister.

The primary culprit is the burning of sugar. Will they intensify the fight against Big Agra? I doubt it. Rarely do the government cowards stand up to their masters. They display total fealty, even if it means people are dying of lung disease.

13 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

The primary culprit is the burning of sugar. Will they intensify the fight against Big Agra? I doubt it. Rarely do the government cowards stand up to their masters. They display total fealty, even if it means people are dying of lung disease.

Yeah, just reading on this forum lately, last year there were reportedly 30 million patients treated for air pollution related illnesses and so far in the first two months of 2024, 650K patients have been treated.  I have a 2.5micron meter and check many times daily and in BKK so far this year almost every day is at least in the yellow alert level.  But, I notice many people exercising outdoors without any masks and never see farangs anymore with masks on.  

 

A quick look at Zoom Earth will reveal that the burning is a regional issue and cannot be solved by Thailand. 

On 3/12/2024 at 8:19 AM, Presnock said:

Yeah, just reading on this forum lately, last year there were reportedly 30 million patients treated for air pollution related illnesses and so far in the first two months of 2024, 650K patients have been treated.  I have a 2.5micron meter and check many times daily and in BKK so far this year almost every day is at least in the yellow alert level.  But, I notice many people exercising outdoors without any masks and never see farangs anymore with masks on.  

 

BTW, I failed to write it but just in case one wonders these figures are for THAILAND, not the world or any other region/country!