Wildfire in Thailand — Green alert

Supply-chain Risk Briefing: Thailand Wildfire Outbreak

1) Summary A moderate-intensity wildfire occurred in Thailand for 4 days from April 11-15. Northern Thailand is estimated to be the main affected region, and digital solutions for wildfire response are being actively discussed locally.

2) Supply-chain impact

• Agricultural production disruption: Northern Thailand is a major production region for rice, corn, sugar and other key agricultural products, with potential crop damage and harvest delays
• Rubber supply chain risk: As Thailand is the world's largest natural rubber producer, concerns over global rubber supply impact if wildfires spread
• Logistics infrastructure impact: Potential disruption to road transport and air operations in northern regions due to smoke and deteriorating air quality
• Manufacturing production halts: Risk of temporary shutdowns at electronics components and automotive parts factories located in northern Thailand
• Tourism industry impact: Reduced accessibility to northern tourist destinations like Chiang Mai, leading to regional economic and related supply chain contraction

3) Watch points

• Spread scope tracking: Monitor wildfire suppression status and potential for further spread, particularly proximity to major agricultural and industrial areas
• Air quality index: Track air pollution levels from smoke and timing for normalization of logistics and production activities
• Government response measures: Monitor Thai authorities' disaster response and recovery plans, and announcements of industrial facility protection measures