The Director-General of the Department of National Parks visited Kaeng Krachan to urgently pursue a suspected "poacher" who shot dead two bantengs and set fire to the World Heritage forest, causing damage exceeding 11,000 rai.
On 22 April 2026 at 13:00, Mr. Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, together with Mr. Mongkol Chaiphakdee, Head of Kaeng Krachan National Park, Mr. Chitiphat Buaprakong, Deputy District Officer of Nong Ya Plong, along with village chiefs and local leaders, visited the fire control station in upper Kaeng Krachan, Village No. 5, Yang Nam Klad Nuea Subdistrict, Nong Ya Plong District, Phetchaburi Province. Their visit aimed to investigate the case of arson set by criminals hunting bantengs, which has already caused over 5,000 rai of forest to burn.
Mr. Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, stated that Mr. Suchat Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, assigned him to urgently visit the area to monitor the wildfire situation occurring in Kaeng Krachan National Park, which is an important area and a World Heritage site.
Monitoring the situation since 13 April until now shows that overall the wildfire is still under control and has not caused widespread damage. Initial fire control efforts took place in the Huai Suea Kad Chang area, with aerial support deployed. In the past two days, hotspots have been detected around Khao Chong Lom, an area overlapping Kaeng Krachan National Park and a forest reserve.
Initially, Mr. Suchat ordered helicopters to support firefighting and supply delivery. Currently, aerial surveys are underway alongside ground patrols. Water drops to extinguish fires are expected to begin from this evening onward, continuing for 1-2 days until completion. Afterwards, the helicopters will proceed to support firefighting missions in Kanchanaburi Province.
"Overall, the situation is not severe enough to be uncontrollable because ground personnel are prepared and have received support from volunteer firefighters. We appreciate their assistance," he said.
Regarding the cause of the fire, hotspots are located deep within the forest, nearly at its core. This suggests the fires were unlikely started by ordinary villagers practicing agriculture near the forest edge, but rather deliberately ignited by individuals with hidden motives. Investigations are underway to clarify whether these persons camped, set fires to drive or hunt animals, or committed other acts.
Mr. Mongkol Chaiphakdee, Head of Kaeng Krachan National Park, added that authorities have photographic evidence of a suspect poacher—a man from Yang Nam Klad Nuea Subdistrict, Nong Ya Plong District—who has repeatedly entered the area on a motorcycle carrying a shotgun, both day and night. Police, local administration, and relevant officials have been coordinated to investigate the facts. If found responsible, legal action will be taken.
The overall damage from the wildfire in Kaeng Krachan National Park, a World Heritage forest, totals 11,419.75 rai: 271 affected sites covering 8,569 rai in Phetchaburi Province, and 55 affected sites covering 2,850.75 rai in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.
Residents near the affected areas are urged to report any suspicious activity or information by calling the 1362 hotline, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation's forest protection emergency line.