Chiang Rai Declared Disaster Zone As Forest Fires Rage

[george]

Chiang Rai declared disaster zone as forest fires rage

CHIANG RAI: -- Northernmost Chiang Rai province was declared a disaster zone on Wednesday morning as embattled provincial and other agencies confront out-of-control brush- and forest fires throughout the region.

Traditionally, before the rains and at the end of the hot, dry season, local farmers in the mountains burn off the preceding season's accumulation of vegetation to provide nutrients for the soil.

This year, however, the region has been especially dry, and vulnerable, to having such fires spread out of control.

Together with burn-off fires moving east and south from neighbouring Myanmar's Shan State, Thailand is besieged with conflagrations and smoke accumulation over a wide area of the region, and is on the edge of declaring an emergency zone in the northern provinces due to spreading clouds of choking smoke, clogged with dust and micro-particles of partially-burned wood, leaves and other vegetation fed by raging brushfires and forest fires.

Government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp announced Tuesday that the National Environment Preservation Act of 1992 might be implemented to cope with current widespread air pollution from brushfires and the burning of seasonal groundcover in the forests to the extent that part or all of the 17 northern provinces may be declared an emergency or hazardous zone.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is recruiting personnel to promptly extinguish forest blazes in those northern areas, and that special clinics may be set up on location to care for persons having illnesses related to the acrid forest smoke, the government spokesman said.

The authorities, including officials of the Public Health Ministry, the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry, the Interior Ministry and the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, were prohibiting local villagers in the region -- especially poachers -- from attempting to clear weeds and undergrowth, as well as forests, by setting them on fire.

Mr. Yongyuth said some officials had suggested forest smoke should be cleared by artificial rain but technical experts at the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry commented that they would have difficulties making artificial rain under the current dry weather conditions in the North.

The cabinet instructed local authorities to remain alert and to contain forest fires from March until June, during which an El Nino phenomenon is expected to bring drought to arid places.

--TNA 2007-03-14

[Jai Dee]

Fog from wild forest fire still covers Chiang Rai

Fog from wild forest fire still cover all areas of Chiang Rai (เชียงราย) Province, while the number of local residents asking for medical treatment for respiratory disease are increasing.

Meteorological Department reported that the visibility today is only 800 meters. The Director of Chiang Rai Regional Hospital, Md. Somboonsak Yanpaisarn (สมบูรณ์ศักดิ์ ยานไพศาล), disclosed that the fog situation in the province has resulted in the increase in number of respiratory patients.

The Faculty of Science and Technology from Radchapat University is measuring the amount of poisonous substance in the air.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 March 2007

[Jai Dee]

Residents in Mae Hong Son fall ill from respiratory disease due to thick smoke

Mae Hong Son Province’s Public Health Official, Suwat Kittidilokkul (สุวัฒน์ กิตติดิลกกุล) discloses that the thick layer of smoke which has covered the province for more than a week has caused residents to suffer from respiratory disease.

From February to March 2007, 14,652 patients with respiratory illness have received medical treatment from the government’s hospitals in various districts. Most of the patients are in Mae Sareang District (แม่สะเรียง) and Muang (เมือง) Mae Hong Son District respectively. Children and senior people are most susceptible to the illness.

The provincial public health office suggests that residents should take care of themselves by covering their mouth and nose with wet cloth while staying in thick smoke areas. They should also close windows and doors of their residence to prevent dust and avoid smoking. Outdoor activities should be avoided if not necessary.

The public health official strongly encourages the residents to see physicians immediately if they have respiratory disease symptoms or have a problem with eyesight.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 March 2007

[brahmburgers]

Judging from the comparative appearance of the sun, today's haze is a bit less severe than previous days'.

I have an air filter unit of dubious quality. Another time, I tried draping a clean cotton shirt over a fan in hopes it would work to filter the air - but it didn't work. I think one needs to use a special fan that forces the air through a confined space - much like an exhaust fan used in kitchens. Perhaps this is a good opportunity for some entrepreneur/tinkerer to devise a low-cost space filter. Air-con costs too much to operate.

Another partial quick fix: get a plastic spray bottle and spray a mist of water every so often within your living space. The possible downside to that is unwanted accumulation of dampness - leading to mold, etc.

[Jai Dee]

Chiang Mai cooperates with all sectors in reducing pollution haze

All sectors in Chiang Mai are working hard at reducing air pollution and haze in the province.

Pollution haze has covered much of the Chiang Mai muang district for more than 10 days, with all sectors in the province attempting to resolve the problem. Chiang Mai governor Wichai Srikhwan (วิชัย ศรีขวัญ ) has instructed the provincial administration to call meetings of all local agencies in the area in order to discuss the matter, and cooperate with citizens in reducing burning of weeds and agricultural areas.

Mr. Wichai said that government agencies should set a clear example to deter agriculturists from burning plant material. The Land Development Department will also be expediting a long-term solution by using weeds as fertilizer.

Meanwhile Northern Region Meteorological officer Santhanee Chaichiangpin (สันทนีย์ ไชยเชียงพิณ) revealed that winds may convey additional humidity into the province from March 16-18, resulting in rainfall that may wash away the pollution haze.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 March 2007

[Jai Dee]

Chiang Mai authorities turn on all fountains for 24 hours to to increase humidity in a bid to alleviate impacts of thick smoke that blanketed the province.

Source: The Nation - 14 March 2007

[Morris]

That we humans are Postcautious beings should be a Precaution!!

First something has to become disasterous before we find out we have to do something about it.

This counts for this entire planet and all natural disasters. First people must die, things must burn, get flooded, get sick or explode before we find out we should prevent the same thing to happen in the future. This shows that we reached a state faaaaar away from the Natural environment we are in. We are the only creatures on this planet that nature cannot warn before something happens because we disconnected ourselves completely from it.

We should be the one on this planets to provide a balance where nature cannot, but in stead we create an even greater unbalance on this planet so that Nature is not able to provide it's own precautions.

To deep?

But it's true!!!

Edited March 14, 2007 by Morris

[aonangkrabi]

So the government expects El Niño conditions (with severe drought) to last until June.

Well, a quick look at the NOAA site (the ENSO report) is enough to know that this El Niño stopped already. It is even possible that a new La Niña (wet conditions) may develop in the next three months.

I have noticed before that officials take a long time before they become aware of actual conditions, And once aware of them they keep thinking the conditions will persist almost forever.

Government, it takes only one email to NOAA and you receive a monthly update in your mailbox.

[Jai Dee]

People cover their faces in Chiang Mai as haze – attributed to forest and farm fires – blankets cities in northern Thailand.

Source: The Nation - 14 March 2007

[bggg]

Does this mean the military will stop burning their land behind canal road and along the Mae Rim Road??

[aonangkrabi]

This is the NOAA site

http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/anal...s-fcsts-web.pdf

[leisurely]

Stay safe up there it looks awful. I am sorry for you.

[bggg]

Chiang Mai authorities turn on all fountains for 24 hours to to increase humidity in a bid to alleviate impacts of thick smoke that blanketed the province.

Source: The Nation - 14 March 2007

Hey great minds think alike. We have been putting our garden sprinkler up on the 2nd floor balcony which believe it or not does help a bit in the immediate area of our garden. The kids school here has all windows shut tight no recess outside, basically no sport so they don't breath too hard. Anyone know if the Thai schools are taking this seriously with their students?

Exactly what signs are you supposed to seek medical attention for? The hurting heaving chest, red sore eyes, general nausea, headaches?? Then the whole of the area should be at the docs already!

[CymruAmByth]

People cover their faces in Chiang Mai as haze – attributed to forest and farm fires – blankets cities in northern Thailand.

Source: The Nation - 14 March 2007

Nice to see dad gets the family crash helmet....as always!

[andook]

Bad place to be right now.... Chiang Mai seems to have a permanent smoke / smog around there all year round, too. It took them forever to implement some sort of garbage collection / disposal system; so not holding out too much hope for slash 'n burn farming habits to change anytime soon.....

[Jai Dee]

Rainmakers fight choking haze in Thai north

Royal Thai Air Force rainmakers bombarded clouds over haze-choked northern Thailand for a third day on Tuesday, hoping to coax rains to clear away thick smoke from forest fires and stubble burning.

Punching into clouds high above Thailand's mountainous north bordering Laos and Myanmar, the planes have been seeding clouds with a cocktail of chemicals since Sunday.

"We hoped the artificial rainmaking would help push out the haze, but the attempts have failed," Deputy Prime Minister Paiboon Wattanasiritham told reporters after a helicopter tour of the affected areas.

The far north has not seen rain since November in what has been an unusually long and dry cool season in Thailand.

But weather experts briefing Paiboon on the haze said they expected some badly needed moisture by the weekend.

The haze, caused by natural and man-made fires in Thailand and its neighbours, started spreading over the far north nearly two weeks ago.

Cold weather has pushed the smoke down into low-lying areas.

It now affects 5 million people across eight northern provinces, Health Minister Mongkol Na Songkhla told reporters in Bangkok.

In Chiang Mai, Thailand's second largest city and a major tourism hub, the choking, eye-watering haze reached its worst in 10 days on Tuesday, the Environment Ministry said.

Chiang Mai's main hospital is treating 100 people with serious respiratory problems, three times the normal caseload for this time of year.

Pregnant women, children and the elderly have been urged to stay inside or wear face masks. Most outdoor events have been cancelled.

The haze has slashed visibility to a few hundred metres (yards) in scores of low-lying towns and villages, and disrupted flights to and from the region.

Chiang Mai's provincial governor declared two districts disaster zones, the state-owned Thai News Agency reported.

In Bangkok, Environment Minister Kasem Sanitwong Na Ayutthaya said various levels of government were pooling resources to fight the fires.

"If we cannot put out the fires, we may declare a state of emergency, but we have not reached that stage yet," he told reporters.

Source: Reuters - 14 March 2007

[Jai Dee]

Thai Buddhist monks are given alms in the northern province of Chiang Mai, 700 km (435 miles) north of Bangkok, March 14, 2007. Haze from forest fires and slash-and-burn farming is polluting air in Thailand's northern resort town to the worst level in 14 years, causing poor visibility and disrupting flights, government officials said.

Source: Reuters - 14 March 2007

[JetsetBkk]

People cover their faces in Chiang Mai as haze – attributed to forest and farm fires – blankets cities in northern Thailand.

Source: The Nation - 14 March 2007

Nice to see dad gets the family crash helmet....as always!

It's the law. Driver must wear, passengers don't have to.

[mtnthai]

That we humans are Postcautious beings should be a Precaution!!

First something has to become disasterous before we find out we have to do something about it.

This counts for this entire planet and all natural disasters. First people must die, things must burn, get flooded, get sick or explode before we find out we should prevent the same thing to happen in the future. This shows that we reached a state faaaaar away from the Natural environment we are in. We are the only creatures on this planet that nature cannot warn before something happens because we disconnected ourselves completely from it.

We should be the one on this planets to provide a balance where nature cannot, but in stead we create an even greater unbalance on this planet so that Nature is not able to provide it's own precautions.

To deep?

But it's true!!!

not deep at all, it is sad, another inconvenient truth.

so spot on ...

[wrecker]

Well a few days ago it was al to blame on the forest fires in Burma, and at least they take some of the blame right now, while they should take 90% of the blame. In the post Thaksin period, the military who were always involved in illegal logging see their chances to do whatever they please. If you add the lack of education that all Thai people not only rurla people suffer from, you see that people, INCLUDING the government do not see anything wrong with the slash and burn or burning down of old vegetation. It is another show of lack of leadership and incompetence that this bunch of criminals in the top of the military and government do not enforce environmental standards. The discussion is on for over a week if they should ban the use of fire in the hills. If these people cannot even take such a decision while visibility is less than 50 meters in the early morning and 200 meters in the afternoon, how can you entrust them with an election?

[65Craig]

I love Chiang Mai, but the last few days have been too much for me. I'm 36, athletic (in excellent shape with great lung capacity), wear surgery mask with a cover all helmet when riding my motorbike, and I'm coughing and practically wheezing. My eyes are so irratated it looks as if I've downed a pint of Mee Khong. All with this jackhammer of a headache... It's AWFUL!!! Well that's why I'm off with my girlfriend to check out the Pattaya International Music Festival. I hope Pattaya will be a good reprieve to my lungs (even though we're not a big fan of the place). Anyway, I sincerely hope this whole mess up here brings about some real changes. Not only to the slash-n-burn techniques used, but the burning of garbage, running of Songtows and Tuk-Tuks all day long, when 90% of them are empty from the hours of 10:00am to 4:00pm, etc. This city is definitely crying out for some major infrastructure (city work programs, mass transit programs, etc.). I really hope it happens, as my girlfriend (wife in a couple of weeks) is from up North and Chiang Mai is the place she wants to settle in.

[Jai Dee]

Thai northern province declared disaster zone

Thailand's Northernmost Chiang Rai province was declared a disaster zone on Wednesday morning as embattled provincial and other agencies confronted out-of-control brush and forest fires that have left smog and smoke hanging over northern Thailand, according to a local media.

Traditionally, before the rains and at the end of the hot, dry season, local farmers in the mountains burn off the preceding season's accumulation of vegetation to provide nutrients for the soil.

This year, however, the region has been especially dry, and vulnerable, to having such fires spread out of control, the state-run Thai News Agency said.

Together with burn-off fires moving east and south from neighboring Myanmar's Shan State, Thailand is besieged with conflagrations and smoke accumulation over a wide area of the region, and is on the edge of declaring an emergency zone in the northern provinces due to spreading clouds of choking smoke, clogged with dust and micro-particles of partially-burned wood, leaves and other vegetation fed by raging brushfires and forest fires.

Government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp announced Tuesday that the National Environment Preservation Act of 1992 might be implemented to cope with current widespread air pollution from brushfires and the burning of seasonal ground cover in the forests to the extent that part or all of the 17 northern provinces may be declared an emergency or hazardous zone.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is recruiting personnel to promptly extinguish forest blazes in those northern areas, and that special clinics may be set up on location to care for persons having illnesses related to the acrid forest smoke, the government spokesman said.

The authorities, including officials of the Public Health Ministry, the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry, the Interior Ministry and the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, were prohibiting local villagers in the region -- especially poachers --from attempting to clear weeds and undergrowth, as well as forests, by setting them on fire.

Source: Xinhua - 14 March 2007

[hardy1943]

Well a few days ago it was al to blame on the forest fires in Burma, and at least they take some of the blame right now, while they should take 90% of the blame. In the post Thaksin period, the military who were always involved in illegal logging see their chances to do whatever they please. If you add the lack of education that all Thai people not only rurla people suffer from, you see that people, INCLUDING the government do not see anything wrong with the slash and burn or burning down of old vegetation. It is another show of lack of leadership and incompetence that this bunch of criminals in the top of the military and government do not enforce environmental standards. The discussion is on for over a week if they should ban the use of fire in the hills. If these people cannot even take such a decision while visibility is less than 50 meters in the early morning and 200 meters in the afternoon, how can you entrust them with an election?

All very true and I live here in Chiang Rai and it has been smoky to say the least for over a week now.

My lovely Thai wife was telling me it was the uneducated mountain people doing this.

Well on this Monday while she driving the car on highway 1 on the outskirts of Chiang Rai City

there was to 2 guys burning the brush on the side of the road and it got out of control and was

also burning several advertising signs.Well apparently it was not smoky enough for them to start

out with they had to add a little more.It is the complete lack of education in there school system

and the Government. hel_l even on a clear and windy day if they can choke a fire so it just smolders all day they

seem to think they are doing a good job.

[ngangu]

Thai northern province declared disaster zone

Thailand's Northernmost Chiang Rai province was declared a disaster zone on Wednesday morning as embattled provincial and other agencies confronted out-of-control brush and forest fires that have left smog and smoke hanging over northern Thailand, according to a local media.

Traditionally, before the rains and at the end of the hot, dry season,

local farmers in the mountains burn off the preceding season's accumulation of vegetation to provide nutrients for the soil.

This year, however, the region has been especially dry, and vulnerable, to having such fires spread out of control, the state-run Thai News Agency said.

Together with burn-off fires moving east and south from neighboring Myanmar's Shan State, Thailand is besieged with conflagrations and smoke accumulation over a wide area of the region, and is on the edge of declaring an emergency zone in the northern provinces due to spreading clouds of choking smoke, clogged with dust and micro-particles of partially-burned wood, leaves and other vegetation fed by raging brushfires and forest fires.

Government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp announced Tuesday that the National Environment Preservation Act of 1992 might be implemented to cope with current widespread air pollution from brushfires and the burning of seasonal ground cover in the forests to the extent that part or all of the 17 northern provinces may be declared an emergency or hazardous zone.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is recruiting personnel to promptly extinguish forest blazes in those northern areas, and that special clinics may be set up on location to care for persons having illnesses related to the acrid forest smoke, the government spokesman said.

The authorities, including officials of the Public Health Ministry, the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry, the Interior Ministry and the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, were prohibiting local villagers in the region -- especially poachers --from attempting to clear weeds and undergrowth, as well as forests, by setting them on fire.

Source: Xinhua - 14 March 2007

[robint]

quote bramburger

I have an air filter unit of dubious quality. Another time, I tried draping a clean cotton shirt over a fan in hopes it would work to filter the air - but it didn't work. I think one needs to use a special fan that forces the air through a confined space - much like an exhaust fan used in kitchens. Perhaps this is a good opportunity for some entrepreneur/tinkerer to devise a low-cost space filter. Air-con costs too much to operate.

Another partial quick fix: get a plastic spray bottle and spray a mist of water every so often within your living space. The possible downside to that is unwanted accumulation of dampness - leading to mold, etc.

unquote

you can make your own gas scrubber (the technical term) quite cheaply and its much better for kids as well

first of course you must seal up doors and windows but allow for 10 room changes of air per hour

your exhaust fan fan should have some rating on it in cu meters per minute/hour. otherwise you can get a rough estimate from google. its closely related to the size of fan typical 8/10 inches diameter and the speed, typically 1500 rpm

arrange the fan to blow into a vertical tube of similar diameter approximately 2 meters long. arrange a fine spray to cascade from the top downwards and collect and recycle back to a small pump. the finer the spray the better

this will give you a refuge from awful smoke and its carinogenic pollutants (nasty phenols)

good luck

[Jai Dee]

Chiang Rai declares natural disaster areas due to thick smog

Chiang Rai province has declared natural disaster areas in 16 districts and two subdistricts due to thick smog.

Chiang Rai Governor Amornpan Nimanant (อมรพันธ์ นิมานันท์) says thick smog is caused by forest fires and the incineration of unwanted floras to expand the farm areas since March 12th. He says smog can worsen people’s health. He says the smog is spreading and ceases to stop.

Officials are evaluating the quality of air in Chiang Rai at 8:00 hours today (Mar 14). Mr. Amornpan expects the result will be revealed this afternoon. The measuring equipment is located at the Office of Natural Resources and Environment in the province.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 March 2007

[65Craig]

Question... I'm not a scientist by any stretch of the imagination, but because of all the pollution in the atmosphere right now, when it does eventually rain, whether it's induced or happens naturally, won't this bring about Acid Rain? If this is the case, there may also be other major problems to worry about here. On another pollution note: I just read about the millions of dead fish because of major pollution in the Chao Praya River. Man, the S in the LOS is beginning to turn upside down for me:-(

[jubby]

Question... I'm not a scientist by any stretch of the imagination, but because of all the pollution in the atmosphere right now, when it does eventually rain, whether it's induced or happens naturally, won't this bring about Acid Rain? If this is the case, there may also be other major problems to worry about here. On another pollution note: I just read about the millions of dead fish because of major pollution in the Chao Praya River. Man, the S in the LOS is beginning to turn upside down for me:-(

I'm certainly no expert either, but I think it will be harmless when it eventually rains, I think 'acid rain' was due to the sulphur released when burning coal or similar. I'm more worried about the 'Cocktail of chemicals' there using to make artificial rain. I'm 41 , relatively fit, and a non smoker, but I've developed a smokers cough today, similar to the one I had back in the UK when I used to car share with a guy who chainsmoked cigars. I'm struggling to water the garden at the moment. It must be terrible for anyone with asma. Got a few things to do this weekend, but then I'm heading south with the Kids. Don't worry about the fish up here, there ain't that many these days, at least not according to my local villagers. I do know nothing will be done and we'll probably have the same problem next year, but just to keep the 'Thailand is wonderful - Farang Thought police' off my back, I'll say we also have 'Air pollution Health warnings' every summer back in the UK too ;-)

[MiG16]

Nice to see dad gets the family crash helmet....as always!

It's the law. Driver must wear, passengers don't have to.

besides thats a woman not a man she COULD be a single Mom....but does that make her a Dad....could be perhaps

[iang]

Bad place to be right now.... Chiang Mai seems to have a permanent smoke / smog around there all year round, too. It took them forever to implement some sort of garbage collection / disposal system; so not holding out too much hope for slash 'n burn farming habits to change anytime soon.....

You mean there really is a REAL local garbage collection service here in CM? Mine is collected by the moo baan, but I wish someone would tell my immediate local neighbours (outside of our moo baan), as they burn their garbage daily! Plastics & everything - anything that can't be sold!