Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Sittichai Sawatsan on Thursday (Jan 30) enacted a strict province-wide fire ban in a bid to address worsening air quality linked to forest fires, haze, and PM2.5.
The order, issued through the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command, imposes hefty penalties on individuals found burning.
Violators face potential penalties of up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to 15,000 baht.
Recent weeks have seen a rise in pollution levels throughout the province, prompting authorities to implement stringent measures targeting open burning.
Residents are also required to assist in extinguishing forest fires when asked, as well as promptly report any wildfire incidents to the relevant agencies.
Below is the full announcement from the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command:
Cooperation in Controlled Forest Fire Areas
Residents must cooperate with authorities in extinguishing forest fires when requested by the government. If a wildfire is spotted, efforts should be made to put it out immediately. If it cannot be controlled, residents should report it to the relevant forestry authorities or agencies, including:
☎ Kui Buri – Huai Yang Forest Fire Control Station – Tel: 032-510760
☎ Nong Plub – Huai Sat Yai Forest Fire Control Station – Tel: 089-910-1808
☎ Royal Palace Forest Fire Control Command Centre – Tel: 032-827-058
☎ Northern Section of the Sadet Phraya Chumphon National Park Forest Fire Control Station – Tel: 082-524-9514
☎ Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office – Tel: 032-602-496
Legal Consequences of Burning in Protected Areas
Setting fires or allowing them to spread into national parks, forest parks, botanical gardens, arboretums, wildlife sanctuaries, or national forest reserves is a criminal offence under the Forest Act, the National Park Act, the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act, and the National Forest Reserve Act. Violators may face imprisonment and fines, as such actions are also punishable under the Penal Code.
Total Fire Ban in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province
To reduce air pollution, open burning is strictly prohibited, including:
- Burning in forested areas
- Agricultural burning
- Burning of waste
- Grassland burning
- Burning near roadsides
Anyone witnessing such activities should immediately report them to local fire services via the emergency hotline 199 or notify the police via 191 for investigation. Authorities will conduct thorough inquiries into all fire incidents, including summoning village heads, community leaders, and local officials to investigate and take legal action against offenders.
Violations and Legal Penalties
Anyone violating the fire ban in designated areas may be prosecuted under multiple laws, including:
- The Forest Act, B.E. 2485 (1942)
- The National Reserved Forest Act, B.E. 2507 (1964)
- The National Park Act, B.E. 2504 (1961)
- The Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act, B.E. 2535 (1992)
- The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act, B.E. 2550 (2007)
- The Highway Act, B.E. 2535 (1992)
- The Environmental Quality Promotion and Protection Act, B.E. 2535 (1992)
- The Public Health Act, B.E. 2535 (1992)
Additionally, under Section 220 of the Penal Code, anyone who sets fire to any object—even their own property—in a manner that endangers others or their property may face up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to 15,000 baht. Local government regulations may also impose further penalties.
Regulations for Industrial Facilities and Construction Projects
Industrial facilities must comply with standard air quality regulations. Large-scale building projects and road construction activities that generate significant dust and smoke must adhere to environmental impact assessment (EIA) reports, terms of reference (TOR), and conditions attached to building and demolition permits.
Vehicle Emission Control
Government agencies, state enterprises, local administrative bodies, private organisations, and vehicle owners, particularly those with diesel engines, are urged to maintain their vehicles properly. This includes routine servicing, oil changes, and installing equipment to improve combustion efficiency.
Strict Enforcement Against Black Smoke Emissions
Authorities must rigorously inspect vehicles emitting excessive black smoke and strictly enforce the law. This applies to both private and public vehicles. Any vehicle exceeding the legal emission standards is banned from operating on public roads. Additionally, vehicles parked in residential areas and markets must not keep their engines running while stationary.
Sittichai Sawatsan
Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan
