Man charged with burning forest in Chiang Mai
Police arrested a suspected arsonist in Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai province on Thursday (April 9), as part of a clampdown on forest-burning that has seen air pollution spike in the northern region.
Patrols conducted by Chom Thong Police Station, Doi Inthanon National Park and Chong Thong district administrative organisation led to the arrest of a 29-year-old suspected fire-setter.
The suspect was found with seven lighters, a knife and drugs in his possession. Police charged him with committing arson in the forest in violation of the Forest Act and possession of drugs (methamphetamine).
Deputy police spokesman Pol Col Kritsana Pattanacharoen said that the wildfire problem in the northern region had to be dealt with seriously as it was severely affecting residents’ health.
Levels of the most hazardous PM2.5 air pollution have soared over the North in recent weeks.
The spokesman said that if anyone noticed activity that might lead to fire, they could contact the police via the 24-hour 191 hotline.
