Chiang Mai Tourism Seeks Action Against Seasonal Smog

[snoop1130]

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - Chiang Mai’s tourism leaders are calling for urgent government action to address the city’s hazardous smog problem as the peak season approaches. The group is advocating for the expedited passage of the Clean Air Act and the implementation of effective measures to mitigate pollution, particularly from agricultural practices.

 

Tourism Council President Punlop Saejew has highlighted the complex nature of the PM2.5 haze issue, stressing the need for a collaborative approach involving incentives for compliance and penalties for violations within the proposed legislation. The council also suggests that the government should reward farmers who abstain from slash-and-burn techniques by supporting their crop production and finding alternative livelihoods for those who rely on forest burning for income.

 

To fund these pollution-reducing initiatives, a proposal for a dedicated fund has been put forth, which could offer tax incentives to investors. This fund would also support the transformation of local agricultural practices to more environmentally friendly methods and provide the necessary equipment to help control burning and smog.

 

The private sector, including Chiang Mai University, is now working on technological solutions like air purifier towers, and the province has introduced a reservation system for controlled agricultural burning to better manage and reduce the incidents of unregulated fires.

 

Despite these efforts and the return of tourists to the region, there is concern among industry operators about the long-term impact of the smog on Chiang Mai’s image, particularly with long-stay visitors and digital nomads who tend to leave during the smog’s peak season.

 

By Krajangwit Johjit

 

Full story: NNT 2023-11-07

 

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[Thailand]

Massive penalties on the owners of the land where burning takes place no second chances.

Not holding my breath (sarcasm!)

[rwill]

Even if they stopped all the burning in Thailand, which they will not.  They would have to get the surronding countries to do the same.

[brommers]

Merely words. It would be more effective if everyone was given a traditional paper fan and were told to stand outside at the same time and waft it around. No doubt that petrol powered giant fan at Thapae will make it's annual appearance too.

[malibukid]

1 hour ago, brommers said:

Merely words. It would be more effective if everyone was given a traditional paper fan and were told to stand outside at the same time and waft it around. No doubt that petrol powered giant fan at Thapae will make it's annual appearance too.

perhaps they will unveil a solar version this year? progress

[Northstar1]

They said the same thing 10 years ago!

and the expats living there said it’s actually good this year, for the last 10 years!

[tandor]

13 hours ago, Thailand said:

Massive penalties on the owners of the land where burning takes place no second chances.

Not holding my breath (sarcasm!)

..rice paddy near me, crop cut two weeks ago..still water-logged, farmer spot burning some dry stubble..why not just plough it in seeing as the ground is sodden.

[hotchilli]

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Chiang Mai’s tourism leaders are calling for urgent government action to address the city’s hazardous smog problem as the peak season approaches. The group is advocating for the expedited passage of the Clean Air Act and the implementation of effective measures to mitigate pollution, particularly from agricultural practices.

Talk to the governor...

[Lucky Bones]

1 minute ago, hotchilli said:

Talk to the governor...

Also talk to bordering countries.🙃🙃

[hotchilli]

5 minutes ago, Lucky Bones said:

Also talk to bordering countries.🙃🙃

The government can tackle cross border issues.

The CM governor needs a word in his ear from above...  sort it out or pack your bags, type of conversation.

[thenewgoo]

The AQI is starting to creep up as farmers start burning off their rice stubs and the rain that clears the air has ceased. AQI up to 141 already in some parts. At least mushroom season is months away and the forest fires haven't been lit yet.

[Tarteso]

Just a copy & paste the same report of last year ..

Clowns…

[biggles45]

That photo is just like the view from our hotel windows in CM TEN YEARS ago. Don't hold your breath for anything to change..... or maybe you should!! 

[carlf]

11 hours ago, rwill said:

Even if they stopped all the burning in Thailand, which they will not.  They would have to get the surronding countries to do the same.

I won't disagree with what you said, but it has to start with some countries acting responsibly.  And Thailand can't even seriously complain to other countries unless it can show that it is cleaning up its own back yard.  Thailand should be showing leadership here.  I have NEVER once read about any farmer getting seriously fined for burning.  The Thai government has totally disappointed in this area.

[Berkshire]

On 11/7/2023 at 5:44 PM, Thailand said:

Massive penalties on the owners of the land where burning takes place no second chances.

Not holding my breath (sarcasm!)

Yeap, that would be my solution and would almost eliminate the problem over night.  Unfortunately, many of these landowners (sometimes corporations) are rather powerful, influential people.  Public shaming might help. 

[puck2]

8 hours ago, Berkshire said:

Yeap, that would be my solution and would almost eliminate the problem over night.  Unfortunately, many of these landowners (sometimes corporations) are rather powerful, influential people.  Public shaming might help. 

In general one way to solve problem.

 

But in our Ampoe (of the Mae Hong Son province) it wouldn't work. The reason: fires in  the woods which are not easly accessible in the mountaines.

 

I think education - already in schools -is the most effective way to solve the smoke problem.  It would take some time, of course. It worked for me in our school concerning putting the waste in waste boxes and not on the street or anywhere around, many many years ago.