Region 5 Provincial Police have responded to the Prime Minister’s policy by intensifying daily arrests of those violating laws prohibiting forest burning, open-area burning, and other offenses causing PM 2.5 pollution. From 1 January to 24 April 2026, there have been 1,714 cases with 1,752 suspects, involving forest burning, violating forest entry bans, and vehicles emitting excessive black smoke.
On 25 April 2026, Region 5 Police Commander Lieutenant General Kritthaphon Yisakorn reported that following the directive of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, all agencies have been instructed to rigorously enforce laws controlling burning activities in all areas. In severe situations, provincial governors are empowered to issue full executive orders (Single Command).
Lieutenant General Kritthaphon Yisakorn revealed that all units under his command have been ordered to accelerate measures addressing forest fires and PM 2.5 haze by intensifying arrests of offenders violating laws related to forest fires, PM 2.5 haze, and illegal entry into national parks. Over a 9-day period (16-24 April 2026), a total of 1,452 cases and 1,453 suspects were arrested: 16 cases inside forest areas, 831 outside forests, 14 for violating forest closure orders, and 591 for vehicles emitting black smoke beyond legal limits.
Reports indicate that from 1 January to 24 April 2026, 1,714 cases were recorded to address forest fire and PM 2.5 haze problems: 70 cases inside forests (47 for burning, 23 for violating forest closure orders), 971 cases outside forests (16 in agricultural areas, 955 in other areas), and 673 cases for black smoke emissions. The total number of suspects is 1,752. The arrest statistics by province are as follows:
The arrest statistics by province are as follows:
1. Chiang Rai Provincial Police recorded 200 cases.
- Inside forest and national park areas: 7 cases.
- Outside forest areas: 133 cases.
- Black smoke emissions: 60 cases.
- Violations of national park entry bans: unspecified number of cases.
2. Chiang Mai Provincial Police recorded 342 cases.
- Inside forest and national park areas: 10 cases.
- Outside forest areas: 214 cases.
- Black smoke emissions: 117 cases.
- Violations of national park entry bans: 1 case.
3. Nan Provincial Police recorded 226 cases.
- Inside forest and national park areas: 1 case.
- Outside forest areas: 117 cases.
- Black smoke emissions: 46 cases.
- Violations of national park entry bans: 2 cases.
4. Phayao Provincial Police recorded 116 cases.
- Inside forest and national park areas: 13 cases.
- Outside forest areas: 58 cases.
- Black smoke emissions: 58 cases.
- Violations of national park entry bans: 45 cases.
5. Phrae Provincial Police recorded 156 cases.
- Inside forest and national park areas: 1 case.
- Outside forest areas: 100 cases.
- Black smoke emissions: 41 cases.
- Violations of national park entry bans: 14 cases.
6. Mae Hong Son Provincial Police recorded 98 cases.
- Inside forest areas: 4 cases.
- Outside forest areas: 85 cases.
- Black smoke emissions: 9 cases.
- Violations of national park entry bans: unspecified number of cases.
7. Lampang Provincial Police recorded 442 cases.
- Inside forest and national park areas: 3 cases.
- Outside forest areas: 114 cases.
- Black smoke emissions: 325 cases.
- Violations of national park entry bans: unspecified number of cases.
8. Lamphun Provincial Police recorded 99 cases.
- Inside forest and national park areas: unspecified number of cases.
- Outside forest areas: 66 cases.
- Black smoke emissions: 30 cases.
- Violations of national park entry bans: 3 cases.
9. Region 5 Police Investigation Division recorded 35 cases.
- Inside forest and national park areas: 8 cases.
- Outside forest areas: 24 cases.
- Violations of national park entry bans: 3 cases.
Region 5 Provincial Police urge the public to strictly comply with the law. If anyone witnesses violations, they are encouraged to report information to the police via the 24-hour hotline 191 or the Line ID @police5 at any time.