Hot Spot Surge in Forests: Thailand's New Anti-Burning Measures

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of MGR Online

 

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has intensified efforts across Thailand to monitor and control the increasing levels of PM 2.5 dust and illegal burning. Phasakorn Boonyalak, Director-General of the DDPM, highlighted that while air quality remains safe in central and southern regions, the north and northeast have hit orange pollution levels, indicating potential health risks. PM 2.5 levels should not surpass 50 µg/m³ to be deemed safe.

 

The situation is critical in Ubon Ratchathani, where levels have reached the red alert zone. Until March 7, air quality will be closely monitored when expected rains might bring relief.

 

As of March 2, 760 hot spots have been identified, mainly in forest reserves and agricultural lands. In Thailand, the highest numbers of these hot spots are found in Tak (154), Lampang (119), Chaiyaphum (50), Kalasin (34), and Sa Kaeo (34).

 

Adding to the crisis, increasing hot spots in neighboring countries like Myanmar and Laos are worsening the air quality in northern and northeastern Thailand. In provinces like Ubon Ratchathani and Yasothon, PM 2.5 levels remain high, demanding urgent monitoring.

 

Provinces, especially those with numerous hot spots, are urged to partner with agencies to curb these incidents. Authorities have ramped up efforts to stop illegal burning and introduced strict pollution control measures.

 

 

Currently, 58 hot spots are reported in national forest reserves, with legal actions initiated against illegal burning. The crackdown has led to 28 cases against forest burners.

 

The Department of National Parks revealed 46 hot spots in conservation areas, primarily in northern regions. As a proactive measure, 138 conservation areas have now been closed.

 

Recent reports indicate a 4.51 million rai reduction in burned land for sugarcane production, showcasing progress in industrial pollution control. In Maha Sarakham, 259 hot spots were noted since January, primarily due to agricultural activities. Consequently, the province now implements a no open-burning rule, leading to 27 legal cases.

 

Deputy Director-General of the DDPM, Saharad Wongsakulwiwat, lauded the agencies' efforts but insisted on stronger measures in high-risk areas. Initiatives to prevent cross-border pollution continue, with new public engagement strategies underway, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-04

 

 

[SABloke]

Rather than informing us that hotspots exist (i.e. fires are burning), then initiating legal actions (which for all we know is a cop driving to the location of a fire and saying "Yep, someone made an illegal fire here") and stating this as some anti-burning measure, wouldn't it make sense to reallocate some military and another highly "important" institutes budgets' funds to supply farmers with land clearing/prep equipment for free and/or with subsidies for non-burning compliance?