The ban comes as provinces across Northern and Central Thailand continue to suffer from blanketing smog. As of last Thursday (Jan 23), 44 of Thailand’s 77 provinces were subjected to ‘red’ (hazardous to health) levels of PM2.5 pollution.
A further 27 provinces were suffering ‘orange’ levels of PM2.5 pollution, reported the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).
Nineteen provinces were shrouded with three-digit red levels of PM2.5, while the government-set safe threshold is 37.5 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³).
In Phuket, the PM2.5 levels have only spiked into the ‘orange’ zone in recent days. While the skies have not been as clear as usual, the island has yet to experience any debilitating levels of smog.
Regardless, Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong issued the provincial ban on all agricultural burning last Friday (Jan 24), although the announcement was not posted publicly by the Phuket branch of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket) until yesterday (Jan 27).
The “announcement”, as the ban was called, noted, “During the dry season, forest fires frequently occur, especially in national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and forest reserves. These fires cause significant harm to forests, wildlife, and public health, while also placing a heavy financial burden on the government. The primary causes include uncontrolled burning of farmland, grass, and weeds near forest areas, which often allows fires to spread.”
The announcement continued: To prevent forest fires, reduce smog, and lower fine dust (PM2.5) levels, Phuket authorities, under the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act B.E. 2550 (2007), have implemented the following regulations:
- All burning is prohibited during the dry season.
- If burning is necessary for agricultural purposes, prior permission must be obtained from the local kamnan (subdistrict chief) or village headman.
- Firebreaks must be created, and fires must be controlled to prevent them from spreading. Local forest fire control officers should be involved in supervising these activities.
- If a fire is spotted, immediate efforts must be made to extinguish it before it spreads.
- For severe fires that cannot be controlled, notify local authorities or contact the Phuket Forest Fire Control Station or hotline 1362 for urgent assistance.
- Setting or allowing fires to spread in national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, or forest reserves is illegal under the Forestry Act. Violators face imprisonment of four to 20 years, fines ranging from B400,000 to B5 million, or both.
- Under Section 220 of the Criminal Code, anyone who causes a fire that endangers others or their property, even if unintentional, may be sentenced to up to seven years in prison and fined up to B40,000.
- District chiefs, kamnan, village headmen and local administrative authorities are responsible for ensuring compliance with this announcement in their areas.
“This announcement is issued for public awareness and immediate implementation,” the announcement concluded.
BIG TALK
Coinciding with the public announcement of the ban was a high-level meeting held at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Jan 27) to address pressing environmental issues, including forest fires, haze and PM2.5 dust pollution.
Chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri, the meeting was attended by a host of officials from government agencies, local administrative organisations and district representatives.
The session, held via an online system, was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul ‒ from the Centara Riverside Chiang Mai Hotel in Chiang Mai Province.
As the Commander of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command (NDMC), Deputy PM Anutin laid out key policies and directives for combating environmental crises while preparing for potential droughts in 2025.
Agencies including the GISTDA, the Meteorological Department and the Pollution Control Department presented reports on monitoring environmental conditions and forecasting trends. Updates on mitigation progress were also shared by representatives from multiple provinces, including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Tak and Nan, said the report.
Deputy PM Anutin issued directives to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to coordinate with provincial authorities and urgently implement enhanced measures to mitigate PM2.5 pollution, particularly in affected regions such as the North, Northeast, Central Thailand and Bangkok.
Key measures included:
- Stricter Control of Agricultural Burning: Local administrative bodies, along with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, are tasked with strictly enforcing laws to prevent burning in agricultural areas. Community leaders, village headmen, and volunteers will play a role in monitoring and curbing these practices.
- Immediate Response to Burning Incidents: Burning activities must be stopped immediately, with strict legal measures enforced against violators.
- Public Health Protection and Awareness: Health agencies are instructed to provide services such as protective equipment, dust-free rooms, and pollution clinics to minimize the impact on vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions. Educational campaigns will raise awareness about proper protective practices.
- Safety Zones for Affected Communities: Local organizations are directed to establish safe zones and prepare adequate resources to shield communities from the harmful effects of fine dust particles.
Anutin emphasised the urgency of upgrading these measures to reduce public health risks and environmental impacts, particularly in regions where PM2.5 levels exceed safety standards.