Deputy Prime Minister Anutin monitored forest fire suppression efforts at Wat Phra That Doi Saket in Doi Saket district, Chiang Mai province. He thanked officials for their dedication and willingness to face danger during the mission, stressing that lives must not be risked and declaring that no personnel can be lost.
At 16:30 on 20 April 2026 GMT+7. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, led a delegation to the field to follow up on forest fire suppression efforts at Wat Phra That Doi Saket, Doi Saket district, Chiang Mai, based on the concept of “Wet Fire Break.” He also monitored the use of large unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveying and extinguishing forest fires in the area, and offered encouragement and met with frontline personnel controlling forest fires in the Doi Saket area. Cabinet members and heads of government agencies joined the field visit.
The Prime Minister said, “We must focus more on prevention than on solving problems afterward. On behalf of the government, I want to thank everyone here for their sacrifice. What you have done is very valuable for the people. You face hazards from heat and respiratory risks; some even suffer smoke inhalation. We have been continuously receiving reports of these incidents, which cause us concern and discomfort. We must find every way possible to eliminate these problems.” “Today, I came to encourage and monitor the work, to listen and think about solutions for everyone, because being on the front lines is very difficult and exhausting. We all have confidence in and appreciation for each of you.”
“You are all the frontline guardians of the forests and air quality for all Thais. You work under challenging and dangerous conditions with dedication and sacrifice. The entire Cabinet is committed to doing everything possible to support your efforts. We have ordered strict measures to prevent forest fires, haze, and fine particulate pollution, including banning purchases of products related to burning and prohibiting entry into forest areas. We are using all means, from local wisdom to advanced technology, to address these issues, emphasizing future prevention. Although we cannot defeat nature, we can reduce damage caused by people who worsen the situation. Police, military, forestry, local administration, and all of us must enforce laws strictly and firmly to reduce this problem.”
Anutin added that the government and all Cabinet members will take every measure to ensure safety and a good environmental condition in the region, especially in the upper north. Although the rainy season will begin in two months, we cannot wait. During a random inspection in Chiang Rai province, I found no tourists; the airport was empty, causing a significant loss of tourism income for the people. After the dust hazard, we will face floods. I have assigned provincial governors as Single Commanders to manage disaster response locally.
In operations, personnel must take care of themselves; no matter the risks, lives must not be endangered. We must brainstorm together, led by district chiefs. If a hot spot is found to be highly dangerous, appropriate methods must be used to reduce its impact, with provincial governors closely monitoring the situation. “I cannot afford to lose a single member of our team.” Please exercise the utmost discretion and caution in managing the situation for the greatest public benefit.
On this occasion, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior ordered the Information and Communication Technology Center to use the digital radio command network to transmit encouragement and disseminate orders and policies through village loudspeakers and public address systems in 17 northern provinces, covering 196 districts, 1,559 subdistricts, and 14,496 villages.
Today's field visit included ministers such as Mr. Songsak Thongsri, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Northern Disaster Relief Committee; Mrs. Supachai Suthamphan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce; Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives; Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment; Mr. Chaiyan Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society; Mr. Jesada Thaiyset, Deputy Minister of Interior; Ms. Piyarat Tiyapairach, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives; as well as senior officials including Ms. Traisulee Traisornkul, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister; Mr. Arsit Sampantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior; Mr. Narucha Kosasivilai, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration; and Mr. Theeraphat Kachamat, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
Additionally, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to ensure all equipment is ready and sufficient for work in the field. If there are any shortages or obstacles, please report so that support can be provided. I want everyone to be confident that your efforts are not in vain. Every step you take to extinguish fires helps reduce national loss, protect natural resources, and safeguard the health of all citizens. At the same time, your safety is crucial.
All ministers present today will do everything possible to ensure safety and a good environmental condition in the northern region. Although hot spots and dust levels will not be reduced to zero next year, they are expected to decrease gradually. With everyone's cooperation, we can achieve this. I offer encouragement to all and wish you happiness, good health, and success in your aspirations. Your good deeds will protect you and your families, and I will stand by your side without abandoning anyone.”
