BANGKOK, Thailand – Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Theerapat Kachamat convened an urgent meeting at the Chiang Mai Wildfire and PM2.5 Command Center to accelerate haze control measures before the 2026 Songkran Festival.
The government and the Ministry of Interior have expressed serious concern about ongoing wildfires and dust pollution in Northern Thailand, which threaten public health and road safety. Reduced visibility from dense smoke is a key risk that may increase traffic accidents and fatalities during the holiday travel period.
The DDPM has aligned wildfire suppression with the national road safety campaign for April 10–16, 2026. Specialized units are instructed to remain on high alert for fire suppression and to support traffic management. The Director-General noted that provinces declared as disaster relief zones may immediately use emergency budgets and resources for fire suppression and public assistance, in line with updated Ministry of Finance and Comptroller General’s Department guidelines.
To ensure safe and healthy travel, the DDPM calls for cooperation across sectors to reduce smoke pollution and improve air quality before the festival peak. Authorities aim to deliver coordinated responses, from emergency relief to long-term prevention.
Citizens who witness wildfires or need assistance due to haze can report incidents at any time through the “1784” emergency hotline or the “Thai Disaster Alert” mobile application for immediate support. (NNT)
