Safety
Wildfire Spreads in Khuan Kreng Peat Swamp, Nakhon Si Thammarat
A wildfire in the Khuan Kreng peat swamp has entered its second day, affecting over 3,000 residents across five villages and creating hazardous smoke conditions.
As of August 14, 2026, a wildfire in the Khuan Kreng peat swamp in Cha-uat District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, has continued to spread for a second consecutive day. According to reports from Khaosod Online, the fire is being fueled by dry weather, strong winds, and intense heat, impacting villages 1, 6, 8, 9, and 11 in Kreng sub-district.
The blaze has consumed areas of white samet trees and peatland, moving rapidly toward local oil palm plantations. By the evening of August 14, the fire reached a point approximately 150 meters from the Cha-uat Kreng Tham Wittaya School, prompting emergency crews to deploy water to prevent further encroachment. Local authorities have issued urgent warnings as thick smoke blankets the area, causing significant distress to over 3,000 residents, particularly the elderly and those living downwind.
For residents and travelers in the region, the primary concern is the deteriorating air quality and potential travel disruptions near the affected zones. While emergency teams are actively working to contain the fire, the situation remains fluid due to the unpredictable nature of the winds and the dry conditions. It remains to be confirmed how long the containment efforts will take and whether the fire will pose further risks to infrastructure or public health in the coming days.