Fire fight: Minister braves flames to back Chiang Mai wildfire battle
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The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Doctor Chalermchai Sri-on, yesterday made a daring visit to the smoky frontlines of Thailand’s forest fire battle in a show of support.
Accompanied by Jatuporn Buruspat, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Chalermchai rallied the troops at Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai, bolstering the morale of fire-fighting personnel and community networks dedicated to keeping the fire-prone forests in check.
The high-profile delegation then took to the skies, soaring over the breathtaking yet perilous landscapes from Doi Inthanon to Mae Ping National Park. With eyes peeled, they surveyed vast stretches of forest riddled with the risk of wildfires.
In a significant move, Chalermchai witnessed the signing of a groundbreaking agreement uniting Mae Ping National Park officials and 21 nearby villages. Together, they’re forming a bulwark against the triple threats of forest fires, haze, and PM2.5 particulate pollution, underscoring the power of community collaboration.
Chalermchai sounded the alarm on the tinderbox conditions gripping the nation’s north, central, and western forests. With dry weather and flammable materials piling up, trees are ready to burst into flames at the slightest spark.
Western provinces like Chainat, Nakhon Sawan, and Uthai Thani have already felt the fiery wrath, prompting an accelerated deployment of fire-fighting forces. The brave crews are clearing combustibles, crafting firebreaks, and keeping vigilant watch to nip any budding blaze in the bud.
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Helicopters from the Ministry of Natural Resources are on standby to swoop in for rapid-response fire extinguishing campaigns.
Crucially, Chalermchai has put the spotlight on local community networks, rallying village chiefs and leaders to be the vigilant eyes on the ground, reported KhaoSod.
A pact was sealed with communities surrounding these vulnerable forests, pooling efforts to tackle the fallout from forest fires, haze, and toxic PM2.5 particles.
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The grassroots alliance aims to quash air pollution and cultivate sustainable solutions that ensure those forests remain a lush legacy rather than a smouldering memorial.
Backing up these ambitions is a generous government budget approved for 2025, earmarked for ramping up resources, hiring manpower, and spearheading proactive fire management strategies.
Chalermchai made a heartfelt appeal for cooperation across all sectors, calling on everyone to pitch in and be part of the solution.
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