Green forest fire notification in Laos, Thailand

Supply-chain Risk Briefing

1. Summary

Wildfires that began on April 5 in the Laos-Thailand border region have continued for 9 days and are ongoing as of April 14. Classified as medium-grade wildfires, they are affecting forest areas spanning both countries' borders.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Agricultural supply chains: Potential damage to production facilities and cultivation areas for crops such as rice, rubber, and palm oil in northern Laos and Thailand
• Timber and pulp industry: Expected supply chain disruptions and price increase pressure due to forest resource losses in the border regions of both countries
• Overland logistics: Concerns over Southeast Asian intraregional logistics delays due to potential temporary blockage of major overland transport routes between Laos and Thailand
• Power supply: Impact on bilateral power trade and industrial facility operations if transmission lines are damaged by wildfire smoke and fires

3. Watch points

• Fire suppression progress: Tracking potential for early containment through changes in weather conditions and effectiveness of joint suppression efforts by both countries
• Border logistics recovery: Confirming timing of major border checkpoint and transport road reopening and current status of alternative route utilization