Chaiwat urges the government to offer rewards for those who report forest burning to prevent the recurring cycle that leads to PM 2.5 pollution, while mobilizing drinking water to encourage firefighting personnel in Lamphun.
At 2:00 p.m. on 8 Mar 2026 GMT+7 in Lamphun province, Mr. Chaiwat Thanakmanusorn, leader of the Rakchat Party (RCP), together with his party team, visited Lamphun to closely monitor the forest fire situation. They brought 600 packs of drinking water to the donation point at Wat Phra That Hariphunchai for distribution to various collection points as supplies and to boost morale among firefighting officers and volunteers who are sacrificing for the cause.
Afterwards, the RCP team visited the Lamphun Irrigation Project near the Mae San Reservoir in Sri Buaban Subdistrict, Mueang District, Lamphun, to inquire about and encourage the officers' work as well as to listen to feedback on the issues.
Mr. Chaiwat said that although his party has no MPs in the parliament and none from Lamphun, as a politician, he does not view the area as belonging to any particular party or individual. Instead, he sees it as the people's distress, and whatever assistance is possible must be provided. Today, he questioned village chiefs and locals and found careless behavior by some who secretly set fires in the forest, causing PM 2.5 pollution—a toxic dust that troubles the whole country, especially the northern people who suffer the most.
When asking village chiefs, community leaders, and residents, they confirmed the fires are not natural but caused by humans. Some areas are inhabited, and people secretly set fires. He called on local people to help protect the environment by not setting fires or causing forest fire problems, as this leads to PM 2.5 dust pollution that affects the entire nation.
The Rakchat Party leader expressed gratitude, encouragement, and praise for the work of the Provincial Administrative Organization officers and all civil servants of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, who are diligently risking their safety to suppress the fires. He wished for the firefighting mission to be completed successfully, smoothly, and quickly to resolve the problems for the public.
Additionally, the Rakchat Party team publicized and invited interested citizens to support the officers by distributing drinking water at coordination points throughout Lamphun province, including:
- Mueang District area: Wat Phra That Hariphunchai (Khana Sa Due Muang) Tel. 095-4489191 / Lamphun Ruamjai Rescue Association (behind Wat Chang Si) Tel. 083-7609159 / Ha Lamphun Shop (opposite Wat Chamthewi)
- Ban Hong District area: Ban Hong point, New Chaimongkol Market Tel. 086-193-2187
- Li District area: Mae Ping National Park or Wat Den Mao
Furthermore, Mr. Chaiwat suggested that the government should set up bounty rewards or incentives for those who provide tips to prevent the annual recurring cycle of forest burning that causes PM 2.5 pollution.
