The Royal Thai Army has deployed Mi-17 helicopters to support wildfire control in 17 northern provinces in difficult-to-access areas, while mobilizing military units to operate water mist spraying vehicles to continuously reduce PM2.5 dust pollution.
On 2 April 2026, at the Operations Room of the Northern Region 3 Command Center in Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province, the Frontline Center for Prevention and Resolution of Wildfire, Haze, and Particulate Matter in Region 3 monitored the wildfire, haze, and dust situation across 17 northern provinces on that date.
During the morning, 722 hotspots were detected in the northern region, with Chiang Mai Province having the highest number at 163, followed by Mae Hong Son with 162, and Tak with 79. Most hotspots were in protected forest areas totaling 465 sites, followed by reserved forest areas with 224, and the Agricultural Land Reform Office zones with 16.
Particulate matter (PM2.5) levels exceeded standard limits in 17 provinces, with the highest reading in Muang Na Subdistrict, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province at 345.30 micrograms per cubic meter. Next was Wiang Tai Subdistrict, Pai District, Mae Hong Son Province at 317.80 µg/m³, and Wiang Phankham Subdistrict, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province at 216.90 µg/m³, levels considered harmful to health.
Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Army has deployed Mi-17V-5 helicopters—multi-purpose transport helicopters—to support operations addressing wildfires, haze, and particulate matter issues in the northern region within the responsibility area of the Region 3 Prevention and Resolution Center.
The helicopters, along with crew and foldable water bags (Bambi buckets), are stationed at the 7th Infantry Division helicopter base in Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai. The operation plan involves joint coordination between the army, the Air Force's wildfire control aviation support unit (frontline), and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to develop operational strategies and allocate targets with pilots to ensure effective performance.
On the ground, the Internal Security Operations Command in each province coordinates with military units to organize continuous water mist spraying to mitigate dust problems.
Additionally, on this day, the Region 3 Command Center has prepared to support aircraft deployment for two provinces and three areas that requested assistance: Li and Mueang districts in Lamphun Province, and Hod District in Chiang Mai Province.