BANGKOK, 13 December 2013 Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has called a meeting of state agencies responsible for tackling the haze problem in the North, telling each agency to collaborate with others and to plan the solution ahead of the problem.
Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Surasawadi, Interior Minister Charuphong Ruangsuwan, Deputy Interior Minister Wisan Techathirawat and Deputy Finance Minister Thanusak Lek-uthai also participated in the meeting to tackle the problem that recurs every year in the Northern Region. Governors of 10 northern provinces afflicted by the haze on an annual basis (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lamphun, Phayao, Phrae, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Tak) also attended.
At the meeting, Ms. Yingluck emphasized pro-active problem-solving by means of guarding against people setting fire at spots deemed as risky. The meeting at Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibition Center was held alongside an exhibition promoting the prevention and control of forest fire, which showcased forest fire response teams and gave suggestions for using leaves and branches as fertilizer instead of burning them.
