Fifteen arrested in Nakhon Ratchasima for land burning amid forest fire
A total of 15 people have been apprehended in Nakhon Ratchasima for burning agricultural land, contributing to a forest fire that destroyed 6,016 rai.
This has led to PM2.5 dust levels exceeding safety standards. Yesterday, January 27, a meeting at the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Hall was chaired by Suraphan Silpasuwan, the province’s deputy governor. The discussion focused on tackling forest fires and the resultant smoke and fine particulate matter that threatens public health.
The Nakhon Ratchasima Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre reported that between January 1 and January 25, there were 25 forest fires in the area, destroying 6,016 rai of forest. The majority of these fires were caused by foraging activities, with Khon Buri district experiencing the most damage at 2,453 rai.
This was followed by 1,700 rai each in Chaloem Phra Kiat and Pak Chong districts.
Legal action has been taken against people burning agricultural land across 10 districts: Phimai, Huai Thalaeng, Khong, Kham Thale So, Non Thai, Thepharak, Chaloem Phra Kiat, Pak Chong, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima, and Nong Bun Mak. Five people face charges, while investigations continue to identify and prosecute 10 more.
Suraphan highlighted that PM2.5 levels have surpassed permissible limits, adversely affecting residents’ health and daily lives. Consequently, the province has instructed districts to intensify measures against burning to mitigate the impact of fine particulate matter.
This includes strict enforcement of laws to curb pollution from vehicles by targeting and penalising vehicles emitting black smoke, especially in urban areas and on main roads.
The agricultural sector is under scrutiny, with efforts to educate and deter farmers, tractor owners, and straw baler operators from burning practices. Officials are compiling lists of at-risk farmer groups and engaging them in discussions to seek cooperation in avoiding burning. Legal measures are coordinated with local village heads to ensure compliance.
Construction sites are also being monitored, with officials inspecting large projects to ensure adherence to the Building Control Act of 1979. Local administrative bodies are urged to rigorously check compliance with construction permits and enforce legal standards, reported KhaoSod.
Industrial pollution control is emphasised, with over 1,700 factories subject to inspection to ensure compliance with the Factory Act of 1992 and the National Environmental Quality Promotion and Protection Act of 1992.
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