Wildfire Near Khao Sam Phraya Forest Threatens Hua Hin Area

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Authorities have raced to contain a wildfire in the Khao Sam Phraya forest area after flames spread close to the Bo Fai community in Hua Hin district, raising concerns about smoke and potential damage to nearby residential areas. Fire control operations have managed to contain more than 90% of the blaze, while officials have announced a strict ban on open burning from 1 February, with heavy penalties for violations.

The operation was launched on 31 January 2026 after satellite data from Suomi NPP detected multiple hotspots in forest areas spanning Cha-am district in Phetchaburi province and Hua Hin district in Prachuap Khiri Khan. The affected forest area, part of a preparatory zone for the Khao Sam Phraya Non-Hunting Area, covers approximately 10,000 rai. Smoke from the fire drifted into Bo Fai throughout the day, affecting air quality for residents.

The response was led by Somjet Chanthana, Director of the Prachuap Khiri Khan Office of Natural Resources and Environment, alongside Sukhum Chantachoti, Director of the Phetchaburi Office of Natural Resources and Environment, and Teerachat Piapradit, Director of the Forest Fire Control and Operations Division under Regional Forest Office 3, Phetchaburi. Multiple agencies coordinated ground and aerial operations to prevent the fire from spreading further.

Helicopters from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment were deployed with water buckets to tackle flames in steep terrain inaccessible by foot. Ground teams simultaneously cut firebreaks and conducted direct suppression efforts. Officials confirmed that while most of the fire has been controlled, several hotspots remain in steep areas and are being addressed continuously.

Support for frontline personnel also came from the local community. Phra Khru Sunthorn Kiriwong (Luang Phor Nok), abbot of Wat Khao Itisukto in Hua Hin, provided drinking water, food and supplies to firefighters as morale support during the operation.

Somjet stated that authorities are calling on the public, farmers, and government agencies to cooperate fully in wildfire prevention. In Prachuap Khiri Khan, a provincial order banning all forms of burning takes effect on 1 February, with strict legal penalties for offenders. He also urged the public to show understanding towards officials, noting that criticism and social media complaints add pressure on teams working tirelessly to prevent further harm.

Daily News reported that The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and provincial authorities from both provinces will continue joint land and aerial patrols. Officials expect to fully control the remaining fire areas, while enforcement of the burn ban will be intensified to reduce future wildfire risks.

Key Takeaways

• More than 90% of the wildfire near Khao Sam Phraya forest has been brought under control by joint land and air operations.

• Authorities will enforce a strict no-burning order from 1 February in Prachuap Khiri Khan, with heavy penalties for violations.

• Fire suppression efforts continue in steep areas, with helicopters and ground teams remaining on standby.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-02-01