Public entry to Chiang Mai’s national park banned March 16-April 30

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND, March 19 (TNA) - Public entry to Doi Suthep-Pui National Park in Chiang Mai Province in the Thai North has been prohibited until late next month for forest fire prevention, but its tourist area has been opened to welcome international visitors as usual. Head of Doi Suthep–Pui National Park Amporn Panmongkol announced on Thursday that public entry to the park is prohibited from March 16-April 30, 2015 to protect the area from any forest fire and haze, which normally occur in every dry season. Amporn said that causes of forest fires in Thailand during 2010-2014 mainly included burning of trees, hunting of wild animals, collecting native plants and out-of-control open-air burning of agricultural weeds. According to the senior official, the temporary ban on public entry to Chiang Mai's Suthep-Pui National Park covers 11 sub-districts in four districts, including Muang, Hang Dong, Mae Rim and Mae Taeng, with violators to face a 1,000 baht-fine each, while anyone causing a forest fire in the off-limit area will face 2-15 years in prison or a 20,000-150,000-baht-fine or both. Based on an updated report of the Pollution Control Department, particulate matters in nine haze-affected northern Thai provinces remain exceeding the standard level of 120 micrograms per cubic metre, with those in Chiang Rai measured the highest at 338 micrograms per cubic metre, followed by Phayao at 204 micrograms per cubic metre, Mae Hong Son at 179 micrograms per cubic metre and Chiang Mai at 168 micrograms per cubic metre. (TNA)