Bangkok: Thailand has recorded a new high of 5,327 hotspots, according to data from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). This positions Thailand as having the second highest number of hotspots in the ASEAN region, with Laos leading at over 6,700 hotspots.
According to Thai News Agency, GISTDA's findings were derived from the Suomi NPP satellite utilizing the VIIRS system as of April 9, 2026. The report details that the majority of these hotspots in Thailand, totaling 3,080, were located in protected forest areas. This is followed by 1,541 hotspots in national forest reserves, 293 in agricultural areas, 243 in community and other areas, 151 in land reform areas, and 19 along highways.
The hotspot data highlights a critical environmental challenge, as neighboring countries also report significant numbers. Laos leads with 6,701 hotspots, followed by Thailand's 5,327. Myanmar reports 1,978 hotspots, Vietnam 881, Cambodia 547, and Malaysia 53. The prevalence of hotspots is indicative of ongoing open burning and wildfires, which are major contributors to particulate matter (PM 2.5) pollution, adversely affecting air quality across the region.