Post by : Shakul
In a decisive move, Thai authorities have ramped up their response to the escalating air pollution and wildfire crises in Kanchanaburi Province. Senior officials conducted visits to assess the situation and implement immediate interventions.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Akranan Kankittinant, along with Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Piyarat Tiyapairat, took the lead during a site visit aimed at understanding the effects of forest fires and PM2.5 contamination, especially in environments affecting schools and local populations.
Their tour included critical educational institutions such as Daruna Kanchanaburi School and Wisuthrangsi School, where worries have escalated due to the adverse effects of air quality on students, particularly among the young and at-risk demographics.
Data indicates that from October 2025 to April 2026, Kanchanaburi experienced over 11,000 wildfire hotspots, predominantly in regions like Si Sawat, Thong Pha Phum, and Sai Yok. This spike has led to deteriorating air quality and heightened health hazards for residents.
In response, the Ministry of Education is collaborating with the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation to expedite cloud seeding initiatives aimed at reducing harmful particulate levels, managing haze, and curbing wildfire spread.
Moreover, officials are pushing for awareness campaigns to limit agricultural burning, motivating schools and surrounding communities to adopt eco-friendlier practices and minimize additional pollution.
The government is diligently monitoring conditions with satellite technology and enforcing tighter regulations to manage fire outbreaks, while also establishing safe zones to safeguard public health and restore air quality.
In a significant gesture, the Deputy Minister of Education expressed his commitment to donate his salary to fund the installation of CCTV systems in high-risk school areas, aimed at enhancing monitoring and preventing future wildfire threats.
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