Prime Minister Anutin led ministers to Chiang Mai to monitor forest fires and PM 2.5 dust pollution impacting air quality and residents' health in several northern provinces, while inspecting drone use for firefighting and accelerating solutions.
At 11:06 a.m. on 20 April 2026, at Military Airport 2, Wing 6, Don Mueang. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supachai Sutthumpan; Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Suriya Juangroongruangkit; Minister of Digital Economy and Society Chaichon Khidchop; Minister of Public Health Patthana Promphat; Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Piyarat Tiyapairat; and Deputy Minister of Interior Jeset Thaiset, they visited Chiang Mai to monitor the situation and hold a meeting to find solutions for forest fires, haze, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the upper northern provinces, which have recently impacted air quality and public health across multiple northern provinces.
Prime Minister Anutin chaired the meeting to monitor the forest fire and PM2.5 situation at the Yodthap Auditorium, 7th Infantry Division, Mae Rim District. Afterwards, he traveled to Wat Phra That Doi Saket, Choeng Doi Subdistrict, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province, to inspect firefighting operations based on the “Wet Fire Break” concept, a fuel management strategy to reduce wildfire severity. He also observed a demonstration of a large unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used for surveying and supporting actual firefighting efforts, showcasing the integration of technology to enhance control efficiency. The Prime Minister also met and encouraged the personnel working in the field.
