BANGKOK, Thailand – The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is preparing specialized Fire Tiger firefighting teams and advanced detection technology for the 2027 dry season amid concerns that El Niño and climate change could increase wildfire risks. Prolonged drought and dry vegetation could cause fires to spread faster and become more difficult to control.
Naruephon Thipmontha, director of the Bureau of Prevention, Suppression and Forest Fire Control, warned that wildfires could be more severe than in 2026. The department is assessing risks in protected forests nationwide and preparing 345 Fire Tiger personnel across 15 operations centers. These specialist teams will be deployed when fires remain uncontrolled after three days.
Authorities are also using satellite imagery and heat-detecting drones to locate fires and guide firefighters through remote forests and mountainous terrain. Despite growing concerns over weather conditions, human activities—including agricultural burning, hunting, and forest product collection—remain the primary causes of wildfires in Thailand.
The department reported approximately 60,000 wildfire hotspots and 7.1 million rai of affected forest land in 2026, compared with 70,000 hotspots and 12 million rai in 2023. With more challenging conditions possible next year, authorities are preparing for faster detection and response. The public is encouraged to report forest fires through hotline 1362. (NNT)
