Green forest fire notification in Thailand

Supply-chain Risk Briefing: Thailand Forest Fires

1. Summary

Thailand experienced moderate-intensity forest fires that lasted approximately two weeks from March 26 to April 10. According to GDACS monitoring, the fires were classified as 'Green forest fire' grade, indicating a considerable scale of fire activity. Occurring during the dry season in March-April, these fires could potentially impact agricultural and manufacturing regions within Thailand.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Agricultural production disruption: Major Thai export crops including rice, sugar, and cassava cultivation areas may experience reduced productivity due to fire and smoke damage
• Rubber plantation risk: As Thailand is the world's largest natural rubber producer, any spread to southern rubber cultivation areas raises concerns about global rubber supply chain impacts
• Manufacturing operation disruption: Air quality deterioration from fire smoke poses risks of temporary shutdowns at electronic component and automotive parts manufacturing facilities within Thailand
• Logistics infrastructure impact: Road and railway route blockages may cause delays in inland transportation to Bangkok Port and Laem Chabang Port
• Power supply instability: Potential damage to transmission lines in fire-affected areas could disrupt power supply to industrial zones, risking production shutdowns

3. Watch points

• Fire suppression completion status: Confirmation of complete extinguishment after April 10 and tracking recovery progress in affected areas
• Monsoon season preparedness: Assessment of additional fire risks and agricultural damage scale before the May rainy season begins