Strict Penalties for Forest Arson as Authorities Ramp Up Surveillance and Enforcement

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture of recent Sattahip forest fire.

 

Following a number of recent forest fires, authorities have issued a reminder that the act of setting fire to protected forests now carries severe penalties in Thailand, with individuals caught in such illegal activities facing imprisonment of 4 to 20 years, a fine ranging from 400,000 to 2 million baht, or both. Authorities have vowed to closely monitor and enforce the law rigorously against all offenders, ensuring no group escapes justice.

 

Wildfires in protected forest areas are often caused by human activity. The destruction of valuable trees, which play a crucial role in sequestering carbon dioxide, accelerates the rapid depletion of forest cover. These fires also result in the loss of many animal lives and contribute to the generation of heavy smoke and PM2.5 dust, leading to adverse health impacts for local communities.

 

Under the National Parks Act of 2019, Section 19, it is illegal for any individual to occupy, clear, or set fire to land within national parks, or to engage in any activity that degrades or alters the land’s condition. Section 41 further stipulates that illegal actions such as land grabbing and forest burning in national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and botanical gardens, are punishable by imprisonment from 4 to 20 years, a fine from 400,000 to 2 million baht, or both.

 

Even though forest reserves may not be directly nearby, it is imperative that all citizens take responsibility for preserving the nation’s natural resources. Everyone can contribute to the conservation effort by actively raising awareness about the dangers of forest fires. This includes promoting education on the issue, encouraging efforts to stop forest burning, and protecting our environment, wildlife, and the health of all Thai people.

 

The campaign slogan for this year is “No More Wildfires.” If you spot a forest fire or witness any behaviour that could lead to one, report it immediately to the forest protection hotline, 1362, available 24/7.

 

-- 2025-01-19

 

 

[watchcat]

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

individuals caught in such illegal activities facing imprisonment of 4 to 20 years, a fine ranging from 400,000 to 2 million baht, or both.

 

It's  about time the government got the lead out.

[kwilco]

THis is a traditional going back centuries - the burning is for agricultural purposes. THe problem is, as usual in Thailand, enforcement.

 

[Artisi]

enforcement, that's negated by various amounts of Bhat. 

[MikeandDow]

Enforcement!! that will be a First for Thailand !! but its not clear as to Who ?? is going to enforce this

[DrJack54]

Off topic removed.

[atpeace]

I was out in the hills today in the NE and it wasn't bad at all.  I think it is improving the last few years but still awful. There definitely is more enforcement and fires are put out in many cases.  In the past they just let them die out.   Don't think we will see the mass burning in 10 years but might just be a hope...

[Will B Good]

Huge tracts of government land burned near us yesterday……all along the roadside verges, miles of it……the government or local government is actually orchestrating this burning…….WT?

[proton]

 

[kwilco]

 

“enforcement, that's negated by various amounts of Bhat.”

 

“Enforcement!! that will be a First for Thailand !! but its not clear as to Who ?? is going to enforce this”

 

 

– I think anyone who has spent some time in Thailand is aware of the all pervasive present of graft, nepotism and corruption and how it affects enforcement, as are those trying to prevent these fires. 

I think these comments above are largely the use of cynicism to cover ignorance.

 

“I was out in the hills today in the NE” – NE of where?

 

 “….and it wasn't bad at all.  I think it is improving the last few years but still awful. There definitely is more enforcement and fires are put out in many cases.  In the past they just let them die out.   Don't think we will see the mass burning in 10 years but might just be a hope..”

 

I don’t think personal anecdotal evidence has much value – in Thailand overall fires are increasing  largely due to climate change – the old practices of swidden agriculture were fine so long as the fires are controlled, unfortunately these days vegetation is much drier and burns more ferociously and then extensively.

 

Around Chonburi and Rayong provinces, it is not particularly biomass fires that present the problem as much as gases, fires and pollutants released from the sprawling industrial complexes nearby

 

“Huge tracts of government land burned near us yesterday……all along the roadside verges, miles of it……the government or local government is actually orchestrating this burning…….WT?”

 

As said above, controlled burning is a common practice unfortunately the warmer, dryer climate means that burning out of control becomes more common.

 

All this burning releases  more greenhouse pollutants, amongst them PM2.5 particles – these are particularly dangerous as they are able to pass straight through your lungs and into the blood stream. In the Northern provinces tens of thousands of people receive hospital treatment every year as a result respiratory diseases become permanent and life expectancy is reduced. These particles are particularly dangerous to those with existing respiratory conditions and those of retirement ag and over

 

 

[still kicking]

What is Bhat? All I know is Baht