On December 12, 2023, the collaboration project between Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, aimed at driving efforts to manage and reduce cross-border haze pollution, held a stakeholders' consultation meeting in Chiang Rai Province. Led by Ms. Wilawan Noipa, the project head, and the research team from the Thailand Environment Institute, the meeting engaged with relevant community organizations in Chiang Rai to address forest fire and air pollution issues.

Mr. Udom Pokpongbawornkul, the district chief of Mae Sai, provided information about high and continuous hotspot areas. The challenging terrain, surrounded by mountains and intricate topography, makes accessing fire-prone areas difficult, leading to significant hotspots and smoke. The project involves collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, including local management, defining specific areas, setting burn times, and implementing long-term solutions.

Mr. Thanakorn Kaewnhoi, an expert in forestry, and officials from the Forest Resource Management Office 2 (Chiang Rai) are responsible for law enforcement and have devised a three-phase operational plan: preparedness, response, and recovery. In the 2024 plan, a wildfire prevention strategy and a province-wide hotspot surveillance system have been introduced. Special monitoring points have been established in high-risk areas prone to fires and smoke.

This initiative aims to create a sustainable and effective community-led approach to reducing conventional burning practices and promoting long-term community resilience.