Watcharapol Khaokham, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, coordinated with the Royal Rainmaking Department to deploy helicopters to help extinguish the wildfire at Phan Phrao Kaeng Kai, noting that the situation has not improved and emphasizing close monitoring.
On 13 April 2026, Watcharapol Khaokham, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, revealed that after learning of the wildfire at Phan Phrao Kaeng Kai National Reserved Forest since 10 April in Sangkhom District, Nong Khai Province, as well as in Na Yung District, Udon Thani Province, and Pak Chom District, Loei Province, he visited the area on 12 April with Udon Thani officials to assess the situation and encourage the staff. They created firebreaks to prevent the fire from spreading widely. Although no active, rapidly spreading flames were seen, several smoke clusters remained, with potential to flare up. Therefore, officials must control and closely monitor the situation.
On the morning of the same day (13 April), as the situation had not improved, he coordinated with the Royal Rainmaking Department to deploy helicopters to assist in firefighting, planning to start the mission as soon as the helicopters arrived. The extreme heat at this time increases the risk of such incidents. He expressed gratitude to all personnel involved for their full cooperation. He and the officials will continue to monitor and closely watch the situation to allow the public to enjoy the Songkran holiday safely.
