Honey collectors blamed for Lop Buri peat swamp fire

Nearly five hectares (about 30 rai) of a peat swamp forest in Tha Luang district of Lop Buri — home to the White Champaca (Magnolia × alba), also known as the White Jade Orchid — have been destroyed by a fire which raged for about a week before it was brought under control.

Pradit Nukham, mayor of the Sub Champa Tambon Administrative Organisation (TAO) in Tha Luang district, told Thai PBS that the fire in the peat swamp, which is the site of the Champa Sirindhorn conservation project, started on March 8 and is believed to have been caused by wild honey collectors.

They normally use smoke from burning tree branches to chase bees away so they can collect the hives.

He said the fire spread quickly due to the hot weather and the abundance of dry foliage on the forest floor.

Firefighters and fire trucks from several districts were dispatched to battle the blaze, but their efforts were hampered by a lack of water in the surrounding area, he said, adding that the overuse of groundwater has drained water from the peat swamp.

After about five hectares of the 22.4-hectare swamp were destroyed, the fire was brought under control, but some volunteers remain on standby to prevent it from reigniting.

White Champaca is an evergreen medium-sized tree known for its intensely fragrant, creamy-white flowers. Popular in Southeast Asia, the hybrid thrives in warm tropical climates and is valued for its year-round blooms, fragrance and cultural significance.