Firebreaks cleared in Chiang Rai forest
Chiang Rai residents joined state officials from both Thailand and Myanmar on Friday (January 24) clearing firebreaks in the woods in the hope of curbing wildfires and PM 2.5 dust pollution.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa was on hand for the initial “rehearsal” in Ban Chalo in Mae Fah Luang district and presented participants with the gear they needed.
“Forest fires and smog in the North occur every year during the dry season because farmers clear-burn crop fields to prepare the next planting,” Varawut said.
“The government has since 2015 placed a high priority on preventing these problems by cooperating with the relevant authorities on action plans that bring in all sectors to try and solve the problems at their origin.”
