Prime minister Srettha Thavisin obtained first-hand experience of forest fires today, as he visited the northern province of Phayao.

He was traveling in his motorcade along rural road No. 120, linking Chiang Mai and Phayao, when he passed a group of firefighters and volunteers trying to extinguish a forest blaze.

His motorcade stopped, so Srettha could ask officials about the cause of the fire.

He speculated that the fire may not have been caused by people, noting that the weather was dry and the area was covered with dry leaves. He told reporters that the public should, however, be careful when disposing of cigarette butts, as they can lead to serious damage being caused.

He also ordered that the welfare of firefighters and volunteers, who have to monitor the forest fires around the clock, be taken care of.

Srettha will host a mobile cabinet meeting in Phayao tomorrow, before returning to Bangkok.