“Suchart” Points Out Forest Burning for Foraging as PM 2.5 Cause, Urges Awareness of Public Impact

Today (April 21, 2026) at 9:25 AM, at Government House, Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, spoke about the Prime Minister's visit to Chiang Mai to address the PM 2.5 dust problem. He stated that reports had been received from all sectors, including the Ministry of Defense, the Royal Thai Police, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. Currently, there are 6,000–7,000 firefighters in the area. He acknowledged that this year is very dry and the rainy season has arrived later than usual.

He attributed the fires to people foraging in the forest, as natural fires are rare. He added that they have significantly reduced hotspots by using helicopters to fight fires from mountaintops. He also noted that the firefighters are exhausted and have to fight fires at night because daytime exposure poses a danger of heatstroke. As for the budget, the ministry is using available funds, utilizing revenue from national parks in the South.

When asked if the public could be confident in the situation, Mr. Suchart said that the Public Relations Department needs to communicate with provincial governors and the public. The Prime Minister has instructed that several issues be addressed, especially regarding dust-free rooms for students; therefore, relevant agencies must consider this. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will strictly enforce the law, particularly regarding forest fires. He urged the public to be aware of the consequences, noting that burning forests to collect forest products causes pollution affecting many people.

When asked further about compensation measures for those affected in the area, Mr. Suchart said that the provincial governors will determine the regulations. He noted that the Prime Minister's visit was to encourage officials. Currently, the "Chiang Dao Model" is being promoted to involve surrounding communities in forest conservation. The government is also considering how to help foragers earn income from other sources.

Regarding whether the Cabinet would need to review the Clean Air Act bill currently pending in Parliament, Mr. Suchart stated that the government supports the law. However, since the Clean Air Act is currently in its second reading in the Senate, some conflicting points are being reviewed. He clarified that the government is not merely defending businesses but must ensure the legislation does not conflict with the Investment Act and incentives offered by the Board of Investment (BOI) to attract investors. The government is willing to support the Clean Air Act, but several aspects need consideration, such as the interpretation of "vulnerable groups working outdoors," the form of compensation, and the appropriateness of fines. Legislation must be balanced and consider all dimensions.