Wildfires fueled by dry-season conditions and strong winds threatened key Adventist institutions in central Thailand over several days, prompting emergency response efforts from local authorities and campus personnel.
Fires broke out repeatedly near the regional headquarters of the Adventist Church in Southeas Asia (SEUM) and the adjacent Asia-Pacific International University (AIU), raising concern for the safety of staff, students, and facilities.
The first incident occurred April 10, when a large brush fire advanced toward the union headquarters. Strong winds pushed the flames closer to the campus, but a set of railroad tracks between the fire and the property acted as a natural barrier. Firefighters responded promptly, and as wind conditions eased, crews brought the blaze under control before it could cross into the campus.
A second fire ignited the following evening west of the AIU campus. Local fire department personnel, together with AIU plant services and security teams, worked overnight to contain the flames and prevent them from reaching university grounds.
A missionary teacher at AIU described the tense situation, noting that responders coordinated efforts throughout the night to stop the fire’s advance. The teacher expressed gratitude that the flames did not reach campus property and called for continued prayers as smaller pockets of fire remained active in the surrounding forested areas.
Conditions intensified April 12, when another fire broke out on the same side of the railroad tracks as the SEUM headquarters. The flames reached the perimeter wall and spread into parts of the compound. Union workers responded immediately, using water buckets and fire hoses to contain the fire until additional support from fire trucks arrived. Authorities later confirmed that no structures sustained damage. The fire also spread toward AIU but stopped short of entering the campus.
Response teams remained on alert overnight, monitoring the area for flare-ups. As of the latest reports, large portions of land surrounding both the SEUM headquarters and AIU have been scorched. Dry conditions and persistent winds continue to pose a risk, prompting ongoing vigilance.
Church leaders and campus officials expressed gratitude for the protection experienced during the incidents and for the coordinated efforts of local firefighters and institutional staff. They also called on the community to continue praying for safety, for the extinguishing of remaining fires, and for rainfall to bring relief to the affected region.
