The Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO)’s Training of Trainers for Forest Fire Suppression (TOTFFS) in Tropical Forest was successfully concluded with a Closing Ceremony held on 30 January 2026 at the Royal Forest Department (RFD) of Thailand in Bangkok, marking the completion of an intensive two-week regional capacity-building program under the Forest Fire Management in Asia (FFMA) Initiative, demonstrating strong regional commitment to advancing professional, safe, and effective forest fire management in tropical forest landscapes.
The closing ceremony was honored by the presence of three distinguished VIP guests: H.E. Mr. Park Yongmin, Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Thailand; Ms. Mathilde Teruya, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the French Republic to Thailand; and Mr. Supot Pooratanaopa, Deputy Director General of the Royal Forest Department of Thailand. Their participation reflected the high level of international cooperation and institutional support underpinning the program.
An Intensive and High-Impact Two-Week Training Program
Over the course of two weeks, 22 participants from five AFoCO Member Countries, supported by nine international forest fire experts, engaged in an exceptionally comprehensive Training of Trainers program in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. Designed specifically for tropical forest fire suppression, the program integrated scientific understanding, operational experience, and hands-on application to deliver a rigorous and highly practical learning experience.
The first week established a strong technical foundation through in-depth sessions on fire behavior analysis, suppression strategies, safety management, and operational case studies. These sessions were reinforced through initial field exercises that emphasized teamwork, communication, and disciplined operational procedures—key elements of professional forest firefighting.
The second week elevated the training to an advanced operational level, focusing on realistic, scenario-based field exercises conducted under challenging conditions. Participants applied suppression techniques such as cross-fire operations, coordinated fireline construction, and prescribed burning, gaining firsthand experience in managing wildfire behavior across varied terrain. Throughout all activities, strict attention was given to risk management, first aid readiness, and the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), reinforcing a strong safety culture.
As part of the program, participants also received rappel training delivered by expert instructors from the Aviation Headquarters of the Korea Forest Service. Conducted under strict safety standards, the session introduced aerial deployment techniques used in wildfire response operations, particularly in remote and mountainous areas, contributing to participants’ broader understanding of integrated firefighting operations and technical preparedness.
Strong Recognition and Forward-Looking Commitments
During the closing ceremony, H.E. Mr. Park Yongmin, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Thailand, reaffirmed the Republic of Korea’s strong partnership with the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) and its continued support for the Forest Fire Management in Asia (FFMA) Initiative. He emphasized the importance of sharing advanced technical knowledge and practical expertise to further strengthen regional preparedness and cooperation in forest fire management.
Ms. Mathilde Teruya, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the French Republic to Thailand, extended her congratulations to the participants and underscored the critical role of international cooperation in advancing sustainable forest management and effective disaster risk reduction across the region.
Mr. Supot Pooratanaopa, Deputy Director General of the Royal Forest Department of Thailand, delivered congratulatory remarks commending the participants for their professionalism, resilience, and dedication throughout the rigorous training program. He highlighted that strengthening human capacity and operational readiness remains essential in responding to the growing complexity and increasing frequency of forest fires in the region.
A Lasting Impact Beyond the Training
With the successful completion of the program, participants will return to their home countries as qualified trainers, equipped not only with advanced technical skills but also with the pedagogical capacity to replicate TOTFFS programs at the national level. Through these cascading training, the impact of the program will extend well beyond the initial cohort, contributing to the development of a stronger, more professional network of frontline forest fire firefighters across Asia.
The Forest Fire Management in Asia (FFMA) Training of Trainers on Forest Fire Suppression in Tropical Forest stands as a benchmark capacity-building initiative, reinforcing AFoCO’s commitment to regional cooperation, operational excellence, and sustainable forest fire management. The program represents a decisive step forward in strengthening Asia’s collective ability to prevent, manage, and respond to forest fire risks in an increasingly complex climate landscape.
Submitted by Dias Shakubayev, Assistant Program Officer, Capacity-Building and Evaluation Team