CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – Thailand recorded 133,548 fire and heat hotspots between 1 January and 19 April 2026, nearly 50% more than in the same period in 2025, according to satellite data from the national space agency.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported that hotspot activity intensified sharply in April and clustered in the country’s north. Authorities increased measures against forest fires, smog and PM2.5 as conditions worsened.
Far more hotspots than in 2025
GISTDA stated that a total of 133,548 hotspots were detected nationwide from 1 January to 19 April 2026. Over the same period in 2025, satellites registered 89,520 hotspots, representing an increase of almost 50%.
The hotspots were monitored in the context of efforts to curb forest fires, haze and fine particulate pollution. The figures were based on satellite observations and served as indicators of fire and heat events across Thailand.
GISTDA showcases systems at Chiang Mai meeting
On 20 April, GISTDA took part in a high-level meeting in Chiang Mai chaired by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The agency presented monitoring and forecasting systems designed to support more proactive management of fire- and heat-related hotspots.
The goal was to deploy response teams earlier and more precisely to high‑risk areas before situations escalated. Satellite surveillance was intended to provide a decision-making basis for local authorities on the ground.
“Fire Risk Map” and “Check Dust”: early warning and real-time data
At the centre of the presentation was the “Fire Risk Map” system, which combined satellite observations with weather and drought data to forecast high‑risk areas in advance. This was meant to help mobilise response teams earlier and plan preventive measures more effectively.
GISTDA also cooperated with disaster prevention agencies, forestry authorities, national park management and the Pollution Control authorities. For air quality, the application “Check Dust” was highlighted as providing real-time data on pollution levels.
April 2026 drives most hotspot activity
Monthly data for 2026 showed a strong concentration of hotspots in April, which accounted for more than half of all detections so far that year. April clearly stood out from previous months, which either remained lower or were similar to the previous year in year‑on‑year terms.
For January, 9,355 hotspots were recorded in 2026 compared with 15,153 in 2025. The abrupt surge in April marked the decisive turning point of the current hotspot season.
North dominates nationwide distribution
Of the total 133,548 hotspots, 82,247 occurred in northern Thailand, giving this region by far the largest share. GISTDA pointed in particular to northern forested areas, where detections were most densely concentrated.
This regional focus was seen as a key driver of smog and PM2.5 problems, which regularly intensified during the dry season. The data underlined that control measures needed to concentrate primarily in the north.
Where hotspots appear: protected forests and forest reserves
By land use, most detections occurred in National Forest Reserves, which accounted for 38,536 hotspots. In addition, 10,895 hotspots were recorded on Agricultural Reform Land (ALRO).
GISTDA stressed that protected forests and national forest reserves together made up the largest share of recorded hotspots. This pointed to significant impacts on forest and natural areas.
Northern provinces above five-year trend, nearing 2023
A cumulative analysis across 17 northern provinces showed a steeper rise in hotspots from late March to mid‑April 2026 than in 2025. Current values were above the five‑year average and approached peak conditions seen in 2023.
GISTDA cited dry conditions, high temperatures and low humidity as the main drivers increasing the likelihood of fire- and heat‑related hotspot detections. These factors favoured both fire events and thermal anomalies.
Hotspots in Southeast Asia: Thailand, Laos and Myanmar heavily affected
Satellite monitoring using the Suomi NPP (VIIRS) system showed widespread hotspot activity over mainland Southeast Asia in mid‑April. Thailand, Laos and Myanmar were particularly affected.
Sample daily values included: 19 April – Thailand 2,358, Myanmar 1,536; 18 April – Thailand 3,174, Myanmar 3,204, Laos 1,668; 16 April – Thailand 4,656, Laos 5,942; and 13 April – Thailand 4,579, Laos 6,358, Myanmar 6,056.
Thailand remains consistently among regional hotspots
GISTDA interpreted the figures as evidence of a persistent hotspot situation across the region. Thailand remained throughout the period one of the most affected countries.
The agency highlighted the pronounced concentration in northern forest areas, where detections were densest. This, it noted, underscored the importance of cross‑border weather and environmental conditions in shaping regional smog levels.