Forest Fire Devastates 100 Rai of Dong Phaya Yen: Authorities Suspect Poachers Behind Blaze

Picture from responders.

A forest fire that broke out in the Dong Phaya Yen area, Nakhon Ratchasima, has ravaged approximately 100 rai of national forest reserve. Authorities suspect the blaze, the third in the region this year, was started by individuals setting fires to hunt wildlife.

The fire ignited on the afternoon of 7 January in the forested area behind Khao Loi Resort, Phaya Yen Subdistrict, Pak Chong District. Despite immediate efforts to control the flames, the rugged terrain with steep slopes and loose rocks made firefighting operations hazardous. Crews had to temporarily withdraw at midnight to reassess and ensure their safety before resuming efforts on the morning of January 8.

Led by Mr. Thepnoorat Sonsungnoen, a forestry officer, and supported by local officials including Ms. Chanchira Chomphupan from the Phaya Yen Subdistrict Administrative Organisation and the Thai Disaster Response Association (Khao Yai Division), firefighting teams worked tirelessly to contain the blaze. By 10.00 on 8 January, they had successfully brought the fire under control.

The fire was first reported at approximately 14:00 on 7 January by the village head of Ban Sok Luk Phatthana, Moo 9, Phaya Yen Subdistrict. The blaze quickly spread across the Kaosie Dao Forest Reserve, threatening nearby areas, including Khao Loi Resort.

According to reports from the Northeastern Forest Fire Control Centre No. 3, this is the third forest fire in the area since the beginning of 2025. On 3 January, a fire at the edge of the forest behind Wat Udom Suk, Moo 7, Phaya Yen Subdistrict, damaged over 200 rai of forest. 

A second fire occurred on 5 January in the Huakrok area, Moo 7, Phaya Yen Subdistrict, destroying 41 rai. Investigators suspect all three incidents were caused by hunters setting fires to flush out wildlife, with evidence including spent bullet casings found at one of the scenes.

Local officials, working with the authorities, are now intensifying efforts to locate and prosecute those responsible for these fires. They have urged the public to report suspicious activity to prevent further devastation to the region’s forests.

-- 2025-01-09