Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul has issued an urgent directive to Suchart Charnvirakul and the Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry to implement stringent measures to control wildfires in northern Thailand. He highlighted the importance of addressing domestic fires while maintaining dialogues with neighboring countries to manage transboundary smoke. Anutin urged provincial governors to take firm action against illegal burning practices.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul is actively addressing the air pollution crisis in northern Thailand. He has tasked Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior with overseeing the enforcement of regulations against burning in 3-4 northern provinces.
In response to concerns about transboundary smoke, Anutin acknowledged its presence and the need for discussions and collaboration with neighboring countries. He insisted that effective control within Thailand is crucial to mitigating the issue’s severity. Emphasizing decisive legal action, Anutin expressed a desire to avoid broad measures that could be perceived as harassment. He noted that provincial governors have been instructed to act decisively, which will also serve as an indicator of their performance.