Soldiers help fight forest fires in Thai South

BANGKOK, May 11 (TNA) - Soldiers have continued assisting in fighting spreading forest fires in Chumphon and Narathiwat Provinces in southern Thailand, while also preparing to help victims of summer storms, expected during May 11-15. Royal Thai Army Deputy Spokeswoman Colonel Sirichan Nga-thong told journalists on Wednesday that the fire in Chumphon has destroyed about 100 rais of forest areas (2.5 rais = 1 acre) on Khao Thalu Mountain in Khao Thalu, Khao Khai and Na Sak Sub-districts of Sawi District since May 9. In Narathiwat Province, the spokeswoman said, another wildfire has been damaging forest areas in Ban Rayor and Ban Luboh Sama of Sungai Golok District. According to the spokeswoman, soldiers, together with local officials and people, have been trying to protect farmlands and pristine forested areas near the boundaries of the fires in both provinces, while army helicopters, water trucks and backhoes have been used to control the fires and expanding firebreaks. The spokeswoman stated that the Royal Thai Army has also, meanwhile, put its personnel on standby to help victims of summer storms, predicted in Thailand's northern, northeastern and eastern regions by the Meteorological Department during May 11-15. (TNA)