Man Arrested for Deliberately Setting Fire in National Park

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Park Rangers.

 

A man has been arrested for illegally starting a forest fire in Sri Lanna National Park, Chiang Mai, in an apparent attempt to harass park officials and local villagers.

 

On 4 March, officials from Sri Lanna National Park, including rangers from the Pang Ma Yao patrol unit and central inspection teams, carried out a proactive patrol in response to reports of illegal forest burning. A concerned citizen had alerted authorities to a fire breaking out in the eastern forest near Ban Kiew Hai, Ping Khong subdistrict, Chiang Dao district.

 

Upon reaching the area, officers discovered a man actively setting fire to the forest. He was immediately apprehended and later identified as Mr Ainam, 33.

 

During questioning, Mr Ainam admitted that he had deliberately started the fire as an act of defiance against a provincial ban on burning, which has been in effect from 1 January to 31 May 2025. He claimed his intention was to cause problems for both park officials and villagers. When officers arrived, the fire had already begun to spread, and he was found in possession of a lighter.

 

Reports indicate that the suspect appeared calm and cooperative during the arrest, showing no signs of mental illness.

 

Park officials handed Mr Ainam over to Chiang Dao Police Station, where he faces multiple charges under the National Park Act, the Forest Act, and the National Reserved Forest Act. His offences include illegally setting fire to the forest without permission and violating Section 19(9), which prohibits disposing of flammable materials that could cause wildfires.

 

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to enforcing strict measures against forest fires, particularly during the burning ban period, as Chiang Mai continues to struggle with seasonal air pollution and wildfire risks.

 

-- 2025-03-05