Bangkok: Authorities have ordered the closure of protected forests in four northern provinces for the entire month of April in an effort to curb wildfires and PM 2.5 pollution. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment has mandated intensified wildfire control measures, prohibiting entry to national forest reserves except with express permission. Those found setting fires in these areas face severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison and a 200,000 baht fine.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, has instructed relevant agencies to ramp up monitoring efforts during the dry season to effectively address the PM 2.5 dust crisis and forest fire issues in the northern region. In response, the provinces of Nan, Phrae, Sukhothai, and Tak have implemented orders to close a total of 42 national forest reserves in April to disrupt the cycle of human-induced forest fires.
Specifically, 15 locations in Tak, 12 in Sukhothai, 9 in Nan, and 6 in Phrae are affected by these closures. The stringent enforcement measures include severe penalties for violators, with the forestry law stipulating a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a fine up to 200,000 baht for illegal entry or arson.
Ms. Raweewan Phuridej, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, indicated that the Royal Forest Department has been tasked with collaborating with local administration and community leaders to ensure strict law enforcement. To balance conservation efforts with local needs, a screening system has been established for villagers requiring forest access, necessitating registration and permission from community leaders or forestry officials.
These proactive measures aim to sustainably reduce air pollution and safeguard public health in the northern region, embodying a "prevention is better than cure" strategy.