Nakhon nayok: A wildfire that engulfed over 10,000 rai of rice fields in Nakhon Nayok has been completely extinguished after being monitored throughout the night. Meanwhile, the reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible has been increased to 50,000 baht.
According to Thai News Agency, an update on the rice field fire in Tha Ruea Subdistrict, Pak Phli District, Nakhon Nayok Province, revealed that the fire was caused by arson of rice stubble and had spread over a wide area since January 27th. This fire has been one of the causes of significant smoke and dust drifting into Bangkok.
The fire has now been completely extinguished. Throughout the night, officials were divided into two teams: one for monitoring and one for controlling the situation. When the monitoring team discovered any incidents, they reported them to the command center, which then dispatched the response team. This team consisted of local personnel supported by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), including water trucks and thermal imaging drones. While some new fires were detected last night, officials managed to control them, with the final incident being resolved around midnight.
Mr. Chanon Wasiksiri, Governor of Nakhon Nayok, along with Mr. Sansoen Khamthong, District Chief of Pak Phli, held a meeting with relevant agencies to emphasize the need for intensified surveillance measures, including the tracking and arrest of those who illegally burn rice fields, causing wildfires. The Governor ordered an increase in the reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of offenders, from the previous 10,000 baht to 50,000 baht per person, as an incentive for residents to help monitor and report such incidents. Currently, areas requiring special vigilance are agricultural areas that have not yet been burned, which comprise over 50% of Tha Ruea Subdistrict and remain at high risk. Residents who witness rice field burning in Pak Phli Subdistrict should contact the District Chief directly at 08 1867 1506.
Regarding the smog problem covering Bangkok, in addition to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) assisting in fire control efforts, Mr. Rachen Silapraya, Director-General of the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation, surveyed the situation yesterday afternoon. He instructed officials at the Eastern Royal Rainmaking Operations Center to plan and expedite operations to disperse the smog in cooperation with Nakhon Nayok Province.