On Thursday, deputy governor Thawornwat Khongkaew added Hua Sai district to the disaster-zone list, along with Chian Yai and Chalerm Phrakiat districts.

The Royal Irrigation Department, meanwhile, has dispatched large pumps to pull water from the Cha Uat-Phraek Muang canal to help fire-fighters in Chiang Yai’s hard-hit Tambon Karaked. The Fourth Army Region has also sent 100 soldiers and set up two mobile kitchens to help.

The irrigation department has also delivered water pumps to spray down the Samed Khao peat forest in a move to prevent fires from sparking. This forest is used as a nature learning centre by Chaipattana Foundation.

Meanwhile, farmers remain helpless as flames threaten to reach their oil-palm and rubber plantations because fire engines and hose lines are reportedly unable to reach them.

Deputy Interior Minister Nipon Bunyamanee also visited Chian Yai district on Thursday and called on officials to quickly contain the raging flames and take care of local residents as the billowing smoke is threatening to cause respiratory problems.