NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, 17 August 2012 – Officials have conceded that ongoing wildfires in southern Thailand have caused vast damages to forest and farmland.
Director General of the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department Damrong Phidet, on Thursday, visited the Phru Khuan Khreng Wetland in southern Nakhon Si Thammarat to get firsthand update on the ongoing wildfires.
Mr. Damrong said he spotted more than 30 locations hit by wildfires and 13 other spots covering some 9,000 rai of land, where the fire is yet to be put out.
He added that around 500 rai of wildfire-hit land was an experimental farm area, belonged to the Chaipattana Foundation under the patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Siridhorn.
The Director General of the National Park Department conceded that the wildfires may be more serious without timely solutions.
He said that 1,000 officers will travel on foot to put the fire out, as the use of chemical could pose risks to locals living nearby.
Director of Protected Area Regional Office 5 Jirasak Chukwamdee said that officials have been extra-vigilant about the situation, while asking locals to refrain from setting fire and entering the Phru Khuan Khreng Wetland.
