Suchart Orders Severe Drought Response, Intensifies Burning Control

On February 17, 2024, Surinth Worakitthammong, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department, revealed that Deputy Prime Minister Suchart Chomklin is concerned about Thailand's approaching summer season. Rainfall is expected to be below normal, with Central Thailand, including Bangkok, projected to receive 40% less rain than average. According to NOAA data, global weather is entering a neutral phase, leading to reduced rainfall and increased drought risks across Thailand. This creates higher chances of fire ignition and rapid fire spread. In response, Suchart has ordered proactive management and law enforcement, including elevated monitoring of smoke and forest fires. Measures include patrolling recurring fire areas, establishing high-altitude monitoring points, preparing firefighting personnel and equipment 24/7, and using helicopters to explore and extinguish fires in hard-to-reach areas. Heat spot tracking revealed 2,806 heat spots between February 13-16, with 1,730 (62%) occurring in forest areas. Special surveillance will focus on Central, Eastern regions, and border provinces due to wind patterns that could spread pollutants. The goal is to reduce forest burning by at least 10% in 14 forest zones and control agricultural burning in rice, corn, and sugarcane fields by 10-15%. Authorities are requesting nationwide cooperation to prevent open burning and reduce PM 2.5 pollution.