Chiang Mai has declared wildfire disaster zones in three additional districts—Chom Thong, Hang Dong, and Galyani Vadhana—following the spread of wildfires in the area, with smoke and haze impacting public health.
On 8 April 2026, reporters reported that wildfires had broken out at multiple points in Chiang Mai province, causing damage to forest resources and smoke haze affecting public health. As a result, the province declared disaster zones for fire emergencies covering six districts, encompassing 38 subdistricts, 324 villages, and 27 communities in Hod, Samoeng, Chiang Dao, Doi Saket, Mae Taeng, and Mae Wang districts.
The wildfire situation in Chiang Mai remains unresolved, with fires still occurring in several other districts. This morning, 61 hot spots were detected across 13 districts. Mr. Siwakhon Buapong, Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai acting on behalf of the Governor, declared disaster zones and emergency relief areas in three additional districts: Chom Thong (three subdistricts—Mae Soi, Ban Pae, and Ban Luang), Hang Dong (two subdistricts—Nam Phrae and Ban Pong), and Galyani Vadhana (three subdistricts—Chaem Luang, Ban Chan, and Mae Daet). This declaration unlocks authority for local administrative organizations and relevant government agencies to immediately utilize existing budgets and resources to contain the situation and assist residents according to official regulations.
Today, Lieutenant General Worathep Boonya, Commander of the 3rd Army Region and Director of the Operations Center for Prevention and Resolution of Wildfire, Haze, and Dust Problems in Region 3, inspected the frontline operations center to assess the wildfire and haze situation in the area. This afternoon, Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defense, and his delegation will visit Wing 41 in Chiang Mai province to monitor the wildfire and haze mitigation efforts.