Prachuap Khiri Khan authorities are stepping up efforts to combat forest fires, haze, and fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) as the province faces deteriorating air quality. Farmers have been warned against burning agricultural land, with strict penalties in place for those who violate the rules.
A meeting of the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee was held on 21 January 2025 at the Koh Lak Meeting Room in the Provincial Hall. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Governor Pratheep Boriboonrat, was attended by officials from various government agencies, including representatives from the Provincial Agriculture Office, Provincial Industry Office, Provincial Transport Office, and Provincial Public Health Office. The discussion focused on implementing measures to prevent forest fires and reduce air pollution caused by agricultural practices.
During the meeting, Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Agriculture Officer Sansanee Kasetsinsombat highlighted efforts to monitor agricultural hotspots and educate farmers on managing waste without burning. Campaigns have been launched to encourage sustainable waste management practices, such as converting agricultural by-products into useful materials.
Farmers have been warned that burning agricultural land between 17 January and 31 May 2025 will result in their disqualification from state-supported agricultural development programmes for two years, from 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2027. However, those affected by natural disasters will still be eligible for assistance.
To address forest fires in conservation areas, the Conservation Area Management Office 3 (Phetchaburi branch) has implemented proactive measures across Prachuap Khiri Khan. These areas, covering over 1.56 million rai and including five national parks, one proposed national park, four forest parks, one wildlife sanctuary, and one wildlife non-hunting area, are under strict surveillance.
The office has established 51 forest fire monitoring points, employing three local residents per location for four months each at a monthly salary of 9,000 baht. Firebreaks extending 70 kilometres have also been created in conservation areas to prevent the spread of fires.