Thailand and Laos Boost Joint Wildfire and Haze Control Efforts
Thailand and Laos are strengthening cooperation to combat cross-border wildfires and air pollution by sharing control systems, hotspot data, and firefighting technology across the Lower Mekong region.
Thailand and Laos are intensifying cooperation to tackle cross-border wildfires, haze, and PM2.5 pollution by upgrading command systems and sharing hotspot data and technology. On September 10, 2024, at 9:00 AM, Thailand's Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin assigned Arthapol Charoenchansai, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants, and Dr. Surin Worakitjamrong, director-general of the Pollution Control Department, to welcome Lao Agriculture and Environment Minister Assoc. Prof. Dr. Linkham Douangsamvang and his delegation.
The Lao representatives visited the Chiang Mai Wildfire Operations Center operated by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants, and the Chiang Mai Air Pollution Management Center to observe wildfire control operations, command systems, and aircraft support mechanisms. The exchange aimed to share knowledge, experience, and wildfire management technology to strengthen bilateral and subregional cooperation in managing wildfires, haze, PM2.5, and transboundary air pollution in the Lower Mekong region.
During the visit, Lao officials received briefings on the structure and operations of Thailand's air pollution management committees at national, regional, and provincial levels. They learned about integrated management approaches including policy formulation, command center operations at provincial levels, use of hotspot data, community participation in fuel management to reduce wildfire severity and PM2.5 emissions, and monitoring and early warning systems. The delegation also observed a live demonstration of wildfire suppression operations, including drone technology for delivering equipment to firefighting teams and the use of aircraft operated by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry.
Arthapol Charoenchansai, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants, stated that wildfire and haze problems know no borders and require close international cooperation with neighboring countries. The department is ready to share knowledge, training curricula, technology for monitoring hotspots, and fuel management practices with Laos to continuously build capacity for both nations' officials and improve cross-border wildfire and haze response.
Dr. Surin Worakitjamrong, director-general of the Pollution Control Department, discussed data on PM2.5 emissions originating in Thailand and factors contributing to increased hotspot numbers.
