A helicopter from the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department has concluded its forest fire-fighting operation in Trat, Thailand, after contributing to efforts against fires in the Banthad Mountains.

The helicopter, which flew 59 sorties over three days, dropped a total of 29,500 litres of water to combat the flames.

The aircraft began operations on Saturday, covering fires in the Tambon Tha Kum, Tambon Takang, and Tambon Chamrak areas of Trat's Mueang district.

On Monday, the helicopter flew 15 additional sorties before concluding its work in Trat.

While the fires were not entirely extinguished, local officials reported a significant reduction in the intensity of the fires.

The helicopter’s next mission is in Rayong, where it will assist in efforts to tackle new forest fires.

On the ground, local volunteers in Tambon Takang are constructing a buffer zone to protect nearby orchards from the remaining fires.

The Banthad Mountains fires have been ongoing for 40 days, though the situation has improved with the helicopter's assistance.