PHITSANULOK, 17 March 2015 – The 3rd Army Region is launching a campaign to encourage people in the North to stop slash-and-burn practice to clear lands.
According to Spokesperson for the 3rd Army Region Major General Thana Jaruwat, the haze problem in northern Thailand is still persistent. Monday is the worst day of the week as people are found to have slashed and burned most on the weekend.
Statistics also reveal that haze from fires occurs most during March 20-21 of each year. Northern provinces have been told to raise awareness and advise the residents against burning to clear lands.
Major General Thana said a recent survey showed that nearly 70% of wild fires occurred in forest areas and 30% on farmland. Almost one million rai of forests are being encroached yearly.
