Farmer's Stubble Burning Spreads to Destroy 5 Rai Orchard, Owner Devastated as Rare Trees Lost
Uncontrolled stubble burning destroyed a 5-rai orchard in Sukhothai, killing rare hardwood and fruit trees worth over 100,000 baht that the owner had nurtured for four years.
In Dong Dueay subdistrict, Khong Krai district, Sukhothai province, a farmer secretly set fire to rice stubble that spread uncontrollably to an agricultural orchard. The fire destroyed rare hardwood trees and various fruits including bananas and multiple mango varieties, causing damage of at least 100,000 baht. The orchard owner was so distraught he nearly collapsed from the heartbreak of seeing trees he had nurtured for years consumed in minutes.
Phannamee Toengiew, 61, the orchard owner, revealed he had purchased the 5-rai land and spent four years cultivating over 100 trees of various species including marit (rare forest timber), mahogany, teak, mango, banana, and other hardwoods. Last year, a similar incident burned 2 rai and killed nearly 40 mango trees. This year proved worse, with the fire consuming almost the entire 5-rai plot and killing most of the trees.
"I bought this land and planted trees, hoping to build a retirement home someday," Phannamee said. "I'm fortunate I hadn't started construction yet, or the fire would have cost me another 400,000 to 500,000 baht. I urge farmers to be careful—I understand agricultural practices, but please consider the consequences to your neighbors."
