MAE HONG SON province has suffered wave after wave of forest fires with the total number of hotspots so far this year exceeding what was registered the entire last year while arson continues, PPTVHD36 said this afternoon (April 12).
The Provincial Wildfire, Haze, and Dust Pollution Prevention and Mitigation Operations Centre said there were a cumulative total of 10,438 hotspots from January 1 to April 11, 2026. This is 1,852 more hotspots than what was registered all of last year, which added up to 8,586.
This indicates an unusually high increase in illegal forest burning this year, despite government efforts in launching public awareness campaigns, prohibiting burning, and strict action against those who burn forests.
Aircraft have also been used to combat and extinguish the wildfires. Despite increased manpower from the Forestry Department’s “Fire Hawk” unit, deployment of firefighting bases in steep mountainous areas, and community involvement in wildfire suppression efforts, arson continues unabated. Locals are afraid to speak out, forcing government agencies to dedicate massive resources to put out these fires.
Firefighting units from all sectors patrol and extinguish wildfires throughout the province, practically 24 hours a day. The affected public expressed dissatisfaction with government officials’ inability to resolve this problem which has resulted in haze blanketing the entire province, and residents affected by high PM2.5 air pollution for over a month.
The Mae Hong Son Provincial Public Health Office advised residents in areas where PM2.5 pollution exceeds acceptable standard to avoid outdoor activities. If it is necessary to go out then they should wear PM2.5 masks and try their best to reduce exposure. Those who start suffering from unusual symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, or eye irritation should immediately seek medical treatment.
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Forest fires raging in Mae Hong Son. Photos – PPTVHD36
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