SURAT THANI -- A fire that started on the top of Khao Samui mountain on Samui island early on Tuesday night was reported to be still burning on Wednesday morning.
It was believed to have already burned off more than 60 rai of forest, Daily News Online reported.
Samui district chief Paiboon Omak said on Wednesday morning fire fighters from Nakhon Samui Municipality, along with police from Koh Samui and Bo Phut police stations, were deployed to contain the fire on Tuesday night.
However, they were unable to reach the fire-hit area during the night due to the difficult terrains.
The blaze on the mountain summit was clearly visible on Koh Samui and nearby Koh Phangan island.
Mr Paiboon said he had ordered the province's disaster prevention and mitigation office to keep a close watch for fear the fire might spread down the mountain. This was the first wildfire on the resort island in 50 years, he added.
The fire was believed to have been started by slash-and-burn farmers, he said. Police were investigating.