Safety
Palm Plantation Fire in Phatthalung Caused by Hornet Nest Removal Attempt
A palm plantation in Phatthalung suffered significant damage after a farmer attempted to burn a hornet nest, leading to an uncontrolled fire.
On August 23, 2026, a fire broke out at a 12-rai oil palm plantation in Tha Miram, Phatthalung, according to a report by Khaosod Online Thailand. The incident occurred after the plantation owner, who had been stung by hornets, attempted to destroy the nest by setting it on fire. Due to hot, dry weather conditions and strong winds, the flames quickly spread, consuming more than half of the four-year-old palm trees.
Local authorities from the Tha Miram Subdistrict Municipality responded to the scene at approximately 12:30 p.m. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze within 30 minutes, preventing it from spreading to adjacent rubber plantations. Kasemsak Sengsun, the Mayor of Tha Miram, issued a public warning regarding the high risk of agricultural fires during the current hot and dry season. He urged farmers to exercise extreme caution and avoid lighting fires in their fields to prevent similar incidents.
For residents and travelers in the region, this event highlights the heightened fire risk in rural areas during dry spells. While the immediate fire has been extinguished, the full extent of the economic impact on the plantation remains to be assessed. Authorities continue to monitor the area to ensure no further flare-ups occur.