Scaling resilience: The Rong Bon community in Chiang Rai's Phan district is turning its rehabilitation efforts into a model for forest fire reduction. Apinya WipatayotinCHIANG RAI: A small community in Phan district is showing how forest conservation can curb haze pollution while generating sustainable income. Bordering Doi Luang National Park, Rong Bon has restored more than 400 rai of degraded land into a thriving forest buffer zone. The turnaround began in 2001 under village head and community forest committee chair Pranee Ratchakom. Communities receive advance payments of about 29,000 baht per rai over three years, provided they limit forest fires and manage funds transparently.

Source: Bangkok Post February 28, 2026 22:51 UTC