The peat swamp forest fire situation in Khuan Khreng, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province has eased, with approximately 500 rai of forest damaged. Smoke remains heavy, and officials are working to control the burned perimeter to prevent reignition. Two schools remain closed for an additional day.
On 17 Aug 2026 GMT+7, the Disaster Relief Center of the Fourth Army Region coordinated with all sectors to support firefighting efforts in the Khuan Khreng peat swamp forest, Cha-uat District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Following the Army's policy to assist and care for citizens affected by disasters, they rapidly deployed firefighting units, equipment, and water trucks to the affected area continuously.
The fire occurred in the Talay Noi Wildlife Sanctuary area on the Nakhon Si Thammarat side, specifically Khuan Khreng Subdistrict, Cha-uat District, damaging about 500 rai of forest. Fifteen hotspots were detected, affecting over 290 households with more than 800 people. Vulnerable groups had previously been evacuated and treated at Cha-uat Hospital.
For recent operations, the Disaster Relief Center of Military Circle 41, led by Company 41, deployed three assistance teams (36 personnel) and four fire trucks, supported by Battalion Headquarters 41, Police Company 5 of Battalion 105, Company 41, and Military Circle 41 Transport, along with large trucks (FTS) to fight the forest fire. This was done in coordination with the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office and related agencies, together with royal volunteer groups and field officers, mobilizing over 28 fire trucks and water trucks to spray water, suppress flames, and create firebreaks to prevent spread.
However, due to weather conditions and the dryness of the peat soil, related agencies continue to station personnel, water trucks, and equipment onsite to work with forestry officials and the Disaster Prevention Office to monitor underground smoldering fires and remaining smoke continuously until the situation stabilizes.
Additionally, aerial footage from a helicopter survey shows the Khuan Khreng peat swamp fire situation is now under control. Fire control teams from various agencies have secured the area to prevent flare-ups and contain the burned boundary from expanding. Smoke levels have lessened and the situation is improving, though the original smoke and burnt odor still linger heavily across the area.
Furthermore, one official pointed out suspicious activity, providing precise locations where recent palm oil plantation trenches were dug—three distinct spots within the peat swamp forest with no nearby plantations. This raised questions about the land type and why machinery was brought in for trenching. Authorities now have these coordinates and are preparing to investigate the sites.
Pramot Kongchan, the village headman of Village 6 in Khuan Khreng Subdistrict, stated that the overall situation has greatly improved. Officials continue to monitor the area to prevent spread or reignition, expecting the situation to resolve within one to two days. Meanwhile, two local schools—Cha-uat Khreng Tham Witthaya School and Ban Khuan Ching School—have extended their closure by one more day and are expected to reopen normally tomorrow.