Our lab is at the forefront of addressing climate change challenges through the use of cutting-edge technologies. We collaborate with leading companies and research institutions such as Ecosecurities, Restore Nature, Kasetsart University, and RECOFTC to develop innovative solutions that combine remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and big data. One of our current focus areas is the urgent issue of tropical peatland degradation, particularly in Southeast Asia. These ecosystems, vital for carbon storage and climate regulation, are increasingly threatened by human activity and climate change, demands that call for a technological response as sophisticated as the problem itself.

Peatlands, formed over centuries by the accumulation of partially decayed organic matter in waterlogged conditions, serve as one of the planet’s most effective natural carbon sinks. Their unique water-retention capacity helps regulate hydrology, filter water, and mitigate both floods and droughts. However, when disturbed, their carbon-rich soils become dangerously flammable and release large amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs). In Southeast Asia—home to around 60% of the world’s tropical peatlands—millions of hectares have been drained or converted for agriculture, exposing these ecosystems to degradation, fire, and carbon emissions.

The southern region of Thailand, especially the Kuan Kreng Landscape (KKL), has emerged as a critical hotspot for peatland degradation. Driven by the expansion of oil palm plantations and the construction of drainage canals, the delicate balance of peatland hydrology has been disrupted, leading to increased fire risk. These fires not only devastate ecosystems but also contribute significantly to atmospheric carbon, creating a dangerous feedback loop that worsens climate change. Understanding and addressing the root causes—both climatic and anthropogenic—is essential for protecting the region’s ecological and social well-being.

Traditional fire risk assessment tools, which largely rely on historical trends, are no longer sufficient in the face of accelerating climate change. They often fail to capture the complex, interlinked factors that drive fire behavior in peat ecosystems. For example, the influence of extreme weather events, such as those induced by El Niño, and the cumulative impact of human land use require models that integrate both environmental and socio-economic data. To move beyond reactive fire management, we need forecasting systems that can anticipate future risks under various climate scenarios.

Our research aims to bridge this gap through a data-driven, forward-looking approach. By combining historical fire records (2014–2023) with remote sensing observations and climate model projections, we are developing a comprehensive fire risk map for the KKL. Furthermore, our work explores how canal-blocking interventions, aimed at restoring natural hydrology, could mitigate future fire risk when coupled with long-term climate forecasts. Artificial intelligence plays a central role in analyzing patterns and predicting high-risk zones, offering a powerful tool for early warning and landscape management.

Ultimately, this project seeks not only to map and predict fire risk but also to inform policy and local action. By answering key research questions about the interplay between human activity, climate change, and fire dynamics, our study aims to contribute to the sustainable management of peatlands. The findings will support decision-makers, conservationists, and local communities in safeguarding one of Southeast Asia’s most valuable ecosystems—while also demonstrating how advanced technologies can drive real-world impact in the fight against climate change.