Ayrin revealed that the government has ordered strict readiness measures to prevent and monitor fire hazards and accidents during the Chinese New Year 2026, requesting cooperation to reduce or avoid all types of burning to lower PM 2.5 dust levels.
On 15 February 2026, Ms. Ayrin Punrit, Deputy Spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, stated that the period from 15 to 17 February 2026 is the time for the Chinese New Year festival, when Thai people of Chinese descent worship sacred objects and ancestors by lighting incense and candles, offering paper money, and setting off firecrackers at shrines and homes. Some areas hold celebrations with fireworks, firecrackers, and pyrotechnics, which may pose fire and accident risks. Additionally, during this period, Chinese-Thai people often travel, increasing traffic volume and the risk of road accidents. Combined with the dry winter season and strong winds, the risk of fires rises.
The government has ordered all provinces to prepare and monitor potential public hazards that may arise. They are instructed to survey and inspect areas vulnerable to fires and to rehearse emergency response plans to ensure immediate action if emergencies occur. They must also monitor community areas, business premises, buildings, transit routes, and Chinese New Year event sites both on land and along riverbanks to ensure stability and safety of docks, piers, and passenger boats. If unsafe conditions are found, relevant agencies must be notified for prompt inspection and repairs.
Personnel are required to prepare manpower, equipment, tools, supplies, and disaster machinery for 24-hour readiness, including firefighting gear, rescue equipment, and lighting. Authorities will strictly enforce the issuance or renewal of permits to manufacture, import, or sell fireworks, and inspect storage and sales sites located in residential areas to ensure strict legal compliance.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson added in conclusion that “For the Chinese New Year festival, organizing agencies must set safety standards and exercise caution in activities that pose fire risks, especially the use of fireworks, firecrackers, pyrotechnics, or special effects inside buildings. They should also raise public awareness about fire hazards. Importantly, everyone is urged to campaign to reduce or cease all types of burning activities to lower air pollution and decrease PM 2.5 fine particulate matter.”