The Interior Ministry Secretary traveled to Chiang Mai to oversee forest fires and PM 2.5 pollution across northern Thailand, instructing governors to accelerate fire suppression and prosecute arsonists, while warning residents to avoid outdoor activities for the time being.
On 1 April 2026, at the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization's Forest Fire Prevention and Solution Command Center, Mr. Atsit Sampanrat, Secretary of the Interior Ministry, chaired a meeting to monitor the PM 2.5 dust and forest fire situation in 17 northern provinces, alongside provincial governors and related agencies, following urgent orders from Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Mr. Atsit disclosed that the situation requires close monitoring, especially in Mae Hong Son province, which recorded over 200 hotspots, while Chiang Mai's hotspots have decreased to 100. He ordered governors and district chiefs to lead an integrated approach involving all sectors, emphasizing proactive measures to promptly locate hotspots and extinguish fires immediately, especially in highland areas supported by military forces and KA-32 helicopters from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
The Interior Ministry Secretary also stated that anyone violating forest fire regulations or neglecting responsibilities must face strict prosecution without exception. If cross-border smoke pollution is detected, governors are instructed to promptly coordinate with neighboring countries to resolve the issue through cooperative mechanisms.
He further urged health and local agencies to campaign for public health protection, encouraging mask-wearing and avoidance of outdoor activities during high dust levels. Recently, the Cell Broadcast system sent health warning messages to mobile phones of residents in northern Thailand, advising vigilance over the next two to three days. If the situation overwhelms provincial capacities, immediate coordination with central authorities is required to mobilize resources and help citizens return to normal life as soon as possible.