Thailand Arrests Man Who Set Forest Blaze “For Fun”

Thailand Arrests Man Who Set Forest Blaze “For Fun”

PHITSANULOK, April 20, 2026 — Thai authorities have arrested a 22-year-old man in northern Thailand after he allegedly admitted deliberately setting a forest fire “for fun”, as the country battles worsening wildfires and dangerous air pollution.

Rangers from Chat Trakan Waterfall National Park detained the suspect in Kaeng Hat Oi forest in Chat Trakan district after repeated reports of fires in the area.

The man, identified only as Matina, was found carrying a lighter and later confessed during questioning, officials said.

“I just wanted to have fun. I had nothing to do, so I started a fire to get forest rangers to put it out,” he was quoted as saying.

He was transferred to police custody and faces charges related to damage to natural resources.

The arrest comes as northern Thailand remains under intense environmental pressure from seasonal fires, smoke haze and hazardous PM2.5 pollution.

Thai authorities said multiple provinces remain under close monitoring and urged residents not to burn agricultural waste or rubbish.

In neighbouring Nan province, officials said 22 people were arrested the same day over fires in open areas. Since late January, more than 100 suspects have reportedly been identified in similar cases.

Air quality remained at critical levels across the north, with Chiang Mai ranking among the world’s most polluted cities on IQAir on Sunday.

The worst PM2.5 readings were reported in parts of Nan, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phitsanulok, while Bangkok’s air quality was significantly better.

Thailand’s annual burning season has increasingly strained healthcare systems, tourism and regional relations, with governments across Southeast Asia under pressure to curb cross-border haze and wildfire emissions.

The Thaiger