Wildfires destroy over 2,000 rai in Kaeng Krachan forest

Wildfires in Kaeng Krachan National Park have destroyed more than 2,000 rai of forest during the Songkran period, with authorities continuing efforts to contain multiple active fire zones across Phetchaburi province.

On 15 April, Mr Saknarin Yoosomboon, head of the Upper Kaeng Krachan Forest Fire Control Station, together with Mr Sukhum Jantachot, Director of the Phetchaburi Office of Natural Resources and Environment, led more than 35 officials on a trek lasting over a day to reach and control a wildfire in the Huai Suea Kat Chang area of Nong Ya Plong district. The area is remote and heavily forested, with several hundred rai already damaged.

Fire hotspots spread across Phetchaburi

Elsewhere, officials have been working to contain more than nine wildfire hotspots in mountainous areas within the proposed Ban Rong Non-Hunting Area in Cha-am district. The fires there have already affected more than 600 rai.

The most serious damage has occurred within a Class 1A watershed forest in Kaeng Krachan National Park, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, near Bang Kloi village. Around 80 officials, supported by helicopters from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, have been deployed to carry out aerial firefighting operations.

Authorities reported evidence of forest encroachment, including the cutting of large trees and deliberate burning for agricultural purposes. These actions are believed to have contributed to fires that have destroyed more than 1,700 rai of natural forest within the park.

In total, wildfires across Phetchaburi during Songkran have burned more than 2,000 rai, making this one of the most severe incidents affecting the area in recent months.

Officials have been working in difficult conditions between 13 and 15 April, camping in forest areas while facing high temperatures and rapidly spreading flames. Several personnel have been injured or fallen ill, and some have reportedly resigned due to exhaustion.

The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment has ordered strict enforcement of the law to identify those responsible for causing the fires and to pursue legal action.

Authorities are urging the public to refrain from all forms of burning and to report any suspected forest fires via the 1362 hotline, which operates 24 hours a day.