CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – Officials in northern Thailand have approved a sweeping outdoor burning ban to address severe seasonal air pollution.
The Chiang Mai provincial administration, led by Vice Governor Siwakorn Buapong, confirmed during an emergency meeting that from February 1 to May 31, 2026, all forms of open-air fires will be illegal across the province.
Strict order to end air pollution
The order prohibits residents from burning any type of household or garden waste. Local agencies are preparing enforcement measures and penalties for violations.
“In community areas, the burning of waste and branches of any kind is prohibited.”
said Provincial Authorities, official notice.
Government officers stated that police and environmental agencies would impose sanctions on offenders and closely monitor high-risk districts.
Farmers face loss of state aid
According to officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, the ban will apply equally to the farming sector, where field burning has long been practiced to clear land after harvest. Farmers who violate the order will lose access to financial aid for two years, including emergency and subsidy programs aimed at rural producers.
“Only in urgent cases may farmers submit an application via the Fire-D App.”
said Provincial Regulation, official statement.
Fire-D App to manage exceptions
The Fire-D application, introduced by the provincial environment department, is designed to manage requests for controlled burns. Registered farmers must record their activities and receive prior authorization before any action, allowing real-time supervision by district offices.
Measuring success against rising PM2.5 levels
Data from Chiang Mai’s air quality monitoring units have consistently placed the city among global hotspots for PM2.5 concentrations, which regularly exceed safe limits during the dry season. Officials noted that the monthslong prohibition targets what they call the region’s “main pollution source.”
“We will rigorously enforce the law against every violation.”
said Unnamed Official, enforcement department.
Enforcement and consequences
During the three-month period, authorities will penalize any individual or group that sets outdoor fires, whether for waste disposal or agricultural clearing. Violators risk suspension of agricultural assistance and other legal penalties.
Key enforcement measures include:
– Provincial ban from February 1–May 31, 2026 on all outdoor burning in Chiang Mai.
– Loss of state aid for two years for violating farmers.
– Registration and approval requirements via the Fire-D App for any controlled burns.
The move highlights the seriousness with which the Chiang Mai administration is addressing the recurring smog crisis that strikes northern Thailand each dry season.