Crackdown Underway: Narathiwat Increases Reward to 50,000 Baht for Information on Forest Arsonists After Nearly 100 Rai Destroyed
Narathiwat officials are investigating peatland fires that destroyed nearly 100 rai of forest in Takob District, increasing the reward for arson information to 50,000 baht while deploying drones and digging water catchments to contain the s
Crackdown Underway: Narathiwat Increases Reward to 50,000 Baht for Information on Forest Arsonists After Nearly 100 Rai Destroyed, as Officials Rush to Dig Water Catchments and Build Barriers to Contain the Spread
On May 2, 2569, Bunchoo Homyamyen, Narathiwat Provincial Governor, inspected the peatland fire situation in villages 2 and 3 of Pron Subdistrict, Takob District, located just one kilometer from the Princess Sirindhorn Wildlife Reserve. He announced an escalation of enforcement measures to prevent arson that has caused widespread damage.
Bunchoo revealed that multiple fires have erupted in the area, with preliminary analysis pointing to human activity as the primary cause. Despite involving fewer than 10 perpetrators, the fires have destroyed nearly 100 rai of forest, causing extensive damage and air pollution.
The governor noted that smoke from the fires negatively impacts public health while requiring massive government expenditures funded by taxpayer money for fire suppression operations.
In terms of strict legal enforcement against offenders, the province has increased the reward for information leading to the arrest of forest arsonists from 10,000 baht to 50,000 baht. The authorities will utilize detection technology and deploy drones for aerial surveillance and reconnaissance of surrounding areas.
"Anyone caught secretly setting fires in forest areas will face immediate prosecution with no exceptions. We urge the public to act as our eyes and ears by reporting any suspicious activity immediately," the governor stated.
Given the challenging terrain of the peatland—thick with vegetation and accumulated leaf litter that generates heavy smoke and proves difficult to extinguish—officials have accelerated efforts to secure water sources. They are using backhoes to dig water catchment basins throughout the area and have mobilized high-pressure water pumps (75 horsepower) to deliver water to hard-to-reach fire zones. Additionally, small dams are being constructed to store water for creating firebreaks to prevent flames from advancing into the deeper peatland areas.
On the same day, the provincial governor met with residents of Ban Kok Nai, Village 2, Pron Subdistrict, to explain the devastating impacts of forest fires and seek their commitment to stop burning entirely during the dry season to protect natural resources and public health.
