Mae Hong Son: The Department of National Parks and Wildlife, in collaboration with the Royal Thai Air Force, has effectively utilized aerial water-dropping techniques to combat forest fires in the Khun Yuam area of Mae Hong Son. The operation, which involved a BT-67 aircraft, successfully dropped a total of 6,000 liters of water, helping to control the rapidly spreading fire.
According to Thai News Agency, the effort was part of a broader initiative ordered by the Mae Hong Son Governor, who launched a 'Fire-Bashing' operation to bring together various sectors in the fight against forest fires throughout the province. This initiative also aims to address and mitigate the haze problem affecting the region.
Mr. Phorathep Charoensupsakun, Director of Conservation Area Management Office 16 (Mae Sariang Branch), highlighted the success of this joint operation between the Prevention and Suppression Command Center Region 3 (PACC Region 3) and the Royal Thai Air Force. This collaborative effort successfully controlled the forest fire that had spread in Ban Mae Sape Tai, Khun Yuam District.
The operation saw the 4611th Air Unit, 461st Squadron, 46th Air Wing from Phitsanulok Province, deploying a BT-67 aircraft in a morning and afternoon sortie to drop water precisely on the affected area. Using coordinates 47Q 381149 E 2102057 N, the aircraft targeted the rapidly spreading fire, completing the mission in 2.3 hours.
Mr. Hris Chanthong, Chief of Doi Wiang La Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mr. Marut Panyabun, Senior Administrative Officer and Khun Yuam District Officer, coordinated on the ground, guiding pilots to the fire's location via radio communication under the call sign 'Khun Yuam 1'.
The collaboration demonstrates the importance of aerial water-dropping operations in mountainous regions like Mae Hong Son, where ground access is challenging. It serves as a model for future operations in other northern areas affected by forest fires.
The operation aligns with directives from Dr. Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, and Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. They have called for comprehensive coordination between government agencies and local communities to manage the escalating forest fire situation in the North.
Mr. Pornthep emphasized that while this operation was a success, long-term solutions require the cooperation of government, private sector, and the public. Efforts must focus on preventing forest and agricultural burning and promoting forest resource conservation to alleviate the haze crisis in northern Thailand.