Government Spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said yesterday that the government would apply the Pracha Rath (state of peoplee) model in nine northern provinces and let local authorities work closely together with agencies by separating the workforce into three areas of responsibility.

Agricultural land would come under the Interior and Agriculture ministries. A campaign would be launched to encourage farmers to plough the stubble back into the field, instead of burning it. There would also be the 90-day burning ban.

Forests and national parks would be the focus of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry. Fire break lines would be formed with the cooperation of local people and authorities.

Roadsides would be inspected by teams set up by the Transport and Interior ministries to monitor burning near transportation routes.

“In the event of a wildfire, a lot of water will be need to put it out and that would not be good for the already scarce water resources,” he said.