Green forest fire notification in Thailand

Supply-chain Risk Briefing: Thailand Forest Fires

1. Summary

Forest fires of medium scale occurred in Thailand from March 29 to April 9, persisting for approximately 11 days. Due to the characteristics of the dry season, the fires continued for an extended period, but they are currently understood to have been extinguished.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Agricultural production: Air quality deterioration and potential delays in harvesting operations in major crop production areas including rice, cassava, and sugarcane in northern and northeastern Thailand
• Rubber plantations: Concerns over short-term impact on natural rubber supply if fires spread to southern rubber cultivation areas
• Manufacturing operations: Potential reduction in factory operation rates and logistics transportation delays due to air pollution
• Tourism industry: Temporary constraints on accessibility and flight operations to major tourist areas in northern Thailand including Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

3. Watch points

• Weather conditions: Possibility of additional fire outbreaks and changes in air quality index from mid-April until the start of the rainy season
• Agricultural damage assessment: Monitoring subsequent announcements on specific damage scale and harvest volume impact in major crop cultivation areas