Phuket’s burning ban: Violators face 20 years amid smog crisis
Phuket has joined the nationwide crackdown on burning as the country battles severe smog and PM2.5 pollution. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul ordered all provinces to implement burning bans, prompting Phuket officials to issue their strict measures last week.
Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong announced the ban last Friday, January 24, which prohibits all agricultural burning during the dry season. Violators risk penalties under the Forestry Act, including prison sentences of up to 20 years and fines as high as 5 million baht.
“Uncontrolled burning not only destroys forests and wildlife but also severely harms public health.”
Under the ban, any essential agricultural burning must receive prior approval from local officials. Strict precautions, such as creating firebreaks and involving fire control officers, are mandatory. Residents are urged to report fires immediately to the Phuket Forest Fire Control Station or the hotline 1362.
Phuket’s air quality has so far remained in the orange zone, indicating moderate pollution. However, officials are keen to prevent the island from facing the hazardous PM2.5 levels that have plagued northern and central provinces. As of January 23, 44 provinces reported red zones, where pollution levels exceeded safe thresholds, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).
The ban was reinforced during a high-level meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall on Saturday, January 25, chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri and attended virtually by Deputy PM Anutin. The session focused on measures to combat haze, forest fires, and drought, reported The Phuket News.
Anutin emphasised stricter enforcement against agricultural burning, rapid responses to fire incidents, and enhanced public health protection.
“Immediate action is essential to safeguard the public and the environment.”
With 19 provinces already in the red zone and pollution concerns escalating, Phuket’s proactive measures aim to keep the island’s skies clear and residents safe.
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