Safety
Authorities Work to Contain Peatland Fires in Nakhon Si Thammarat
The Fourth Army Area Disaster Relief Center is managing ongoing underground fires and smoke emissions at the Khuan Kreng peat swamp forest.
According to a report from Thai Post on August 18, 2026, the Fourth Army Area Disaster Relief Center has intensified efforts to control persistent wildfires in the Khuan Kreng peat swamp forest, located in the Cha-uat District of Nakhon Si Thammarat province.
These fires have been occurring intermittently over recent periods, posing challenges due to the nature of peatland combustion, which often involves smoldering underground fires that are difficult to extinguish completely. Authorities are currently focused on monitoring these subterranean hotspots and managing the resulting smoke, which can impact air quality in the surrounding areas.
For residents and travelers in the region, the situation is significant as smoke haze can affect visibility and respiratory health. While the overall situation is reported to show a trend toward improvement, the persistence of underground fires means that smoke may continue to be an issue until the area is fully stabilized. It remains to be confirmed how long the suppression operations will continue and whether the smoke levels will fluctuate significantly in the coming days. Those planning to visit or reside in the vicinity of the Cha-uat District are advised to monitor local air quality reports and follow guidance from provincial authorities regarding environmental safety.