Erawan Park Fire Linked to Poachers Using Traps

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Thai park authorities have intercepted a forest fire near Erawan National Park and uncovered evidence it was deliberately set to drive wildlife into snares, prompting a wider enforcement operation to protect the area. Officials said the blaze, discovered on 8 January, was quickly contained, limiting damage to about two rai of forest, but revealed a serious and intentional wildlife crime. The incident marks the first confirmed case this year in which a forest fire was clearly linked to illegal hunting activity.

The case came to light following reports from staff at Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi province. According to Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the fire was detected in a forested area near a village behind a railway station in Moo 3, Tha Sao subdistrict, Sai Yok district. Although the fire was outside the official park boundary, it posed a direct risk of spreading into protected forest land.

At around 6.20pm on 8 January, rangers from the Erawan National Park Protection Unit at Aw.3 (Wang Badan) spotted dense smoke while on routine patrol. They coordinated with officers from the Salak Phra–Erawan Forest Fire Control Station, deploying a total of 18 personnel to tackle the blaze. The fire was brought under control within 10 minutes and fully extinguished by 7.40pm.

Subsequent inspection of the burned area revealed signs that the fire was not caused by natural conditions or routine foraging practices. Instead, authorities found evidence suggesting poachers had deliberately ignited the fire to frighten animals into fleeing along predetermined routes where snares had been placed. This method involves positioning traps downwind or along escape paths, increasing the likelihood that panicked wildlife will be caught.

“This is the first case where we have found clear traces that a forest fire was intentionally started for the purpose of hunting,” Atthapol said. He described the practice as extremely dangerous and highly destructive to ecosystems, as it harms both wildlife and forest habitats.

Following the discovery, Atthapol ordered rangers to expand their investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible. He also instructed officials to conduct intensive searches for animal traps and hunting equipment throughout the park’s boundary areas to prevent further harm.

Daily News reported that The Department of National Parks has urged the public to report any forest or wildlife-related offences, including fires, via its 24-hour hotline on 1362. Authorities said further action would focus on enforcement and prevention to safeguard wildlife and forest resources.

Key Takeaways

• Rangers stopped a forest fire near Erawan National Park and limited damage to about two rai.

• Evidence shows the blaze was deliberately set to drive animals into snares for illegal hunting.

• Authorities have ordered wider patrols and investigations to prosecute those responsible.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-01-11