Wildfires rampant in northern Thailand

February 23, 2024 | 16:14

(0) user say

According to Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), the recent outbreak of wildfires in the country has put an estimated 160,000 hectares in 10 northern provinces at risk, marking a critical environmental and humanitarian crisis.

Wildfires rage across 10 provinces in northern Thailand (Photo:nationthailand.com)

Bangkok – According to Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), the recent outbreak of wildfires in the country has put an estimated 160,000 hectares in 10 northern provinces at risk, marking a critical environmental and humanitarian crisis.

The affected provinces are Tak, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Phitsanulok, Uttaradit, and Kamphaeng Phet.

The GISTDA said that the conflagration is often ignited deliberately by farmers engaging in pre-planting or post-harvest burns. Most concerning is the incineration of conserved areas within national parks and agricultural zones. The agency vows to combat the blazes with rigorous measures.

Utilising satellite technology, GISTDA reports a staggering 1,532 hot spots nationwide, with 221 in Kanchanaburi alone.

The GISTDA has announced 1,485 wildfires hot spots in Myanmar, 851 spots in Laos, 833 spots in Cambodia and 595 spots in Vietnam.

Thailand keen on alternative energy

More state-run energy firms in Thailand are eager to try alternative fuels to support the campaign against climate change, with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) becoming the latest agency, aiming to replace coal with wood pellets to fuel its power plant.

Thailand's Central Pattana sets up Vietnamese subsidiary

Central Pattana Public Company Limited has announced that its subsidiary, CPN Global Co., Ltd., has established a presence in Vietnam, according to a notification sent to the Stock Exchange of Thailand on February 2.

By VNA

What the stars mean:

★ Poor ★ ★ Promising ★★★ Good ★★★★ Very good ★★★★★ Exceptional