PUBLISHED : 21 Jan 2026 at 17:03

The Pollution Control Department has ordered stepped-up surveillance of open burning as the seasonal risk of haze and dust pollution rises, according to director-general Surin Worakitthamrong.

More hotspots are being reported in agricultural and forest areas, he said. Local authorities in many provinces have issued formal notices and been instructed to strictly enforce laws against open burning, alongside designating controlled burning zones.

In one recent case, it was found that slow-burning incense bundles were being used to ignite sugar cane trash in fields in Buri Ram, so that the culprits would be long gone by the time the fires started.

In addition to agricultural burning and forest fires, other pollution sources such as vehicle emissions and construction are being addresses to mitigate the impact of fine dust pollution on the public.

Burning in forest, agricultural and open spaces in Thailand is punishable by both fines and imprisonment — in some cases both. The penalties and laws are as follows:

• Burning on one’s own property or in public areas that causes a nuisance, such as burning garbage or other items, may be ordered by local officials to cease. Failure to comply is an offence under the Public Health Act, punishable by imprisonment for up to 3 months and/or a fine of up to 25,000 baht.
• Burning in roadside areas or within 500 metres of a roadway, resulting in smoke or other substances that may endanger traffic safety, is an offence under the Road Traffic Act, punishable by a fine of up to 1,000 baht.
• Burning in agricultural areas, such as burning sugarcane fields, rice stubble, or open burning likely to endanger others and their property, is an offence under Section 220 of the Criminal Code, punishable by imprisonment for up to 7 years and/or a fine of up to 140,000 baht.
• Burning forests in national parks or wildlife sanctuaries is punishable by imprisonment for 4-20 years, a fine of 400,000-2,000,000 baht, or both.
• Burning forested land in national forest reserves is punishable by imprisonment from 1 to 10 years and a fine of 20,000 to 200,000 baht. In cases where more than 25 rai is burned, the punishment is imprisonment from 4-20 years and a fine of 200,000 to 2 million baht.

Worsening dust pollution has taken a toll on both the economy and society, the Pollution Control Department said.

Public health concerns must not be overlooked, as pollution adversely affects multiple bodily systems, including the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, as well as eyes and skin. Prolonged exposure may also increase the risk of lung cancer.

Mr Surin has called for public cooperation, urging people to refrain from all forms of burning in prohibited areas.

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