Over 1,000 fire hotspots in western Cambodia

Khmer Times

Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment has reported more than 2,300 fire hotspots detected nationwide in just one week, with over 1,000 concentrated in provinces bordering Thailand. The surge has raised concerns about wildfires, cross-border pollution and public health risks.

Satellite monitoring revealed that Preah Vihear province recorded the highest number, with 582 hotspots, followed by Pursat with 197. Oddar Meanchey and Battambang each reported 88, while Banteay Meanchey logged 39, Koh Kong eight and Pailin three.

Officials stressed that hotspots do not always indicate forest fires, but rather areas of elevated surface temperatures. Even so, they are considered key indicators of burning activities such as rice stubble clearance, grass fires and the disposal of plastic waste — practices that can severely affect air quality and biodiversity.

Moeun Sophet, Director of Preah Vihear’s Environment Department, acknowledged that many of the province’s fires stem from agricultural burning and waste disposal. He said awareness campaigns are being intensified to discourage these practices, alongside efforts to curb illegal logging, land encroachment and intentional forest fires.

“Setting forest fires is punishable under the Environmental and Natural Resources Code because it causes smog, air pollution, and the loss of forests, wildlife habitats and biodiversity,” Sophet explained.

Thai media reports have suggested that Cambodian fires contribute to pollution in Bangkok, but the ministry rejected this claim, noting that seasonal wind patterns currently move from Bangkok towards Cambodia.

The ministry has pledged to continue monitoring hotspots and enforcing environmental laws, warning that unchecked burning could worsen regional air quality and damage fragile ecosystems.

-2026-02-23