Chiang Mai Wildfires: Disaster Zones Declared Amid Rising PM2.5

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of International Fire & Safety Journal

 

The relentless wildfires in Chiang Dao and Omkoi districts, Chiang Mai, have led to a disaster zone declaration as local authorities ramp up response efforts. Governor Nirat Phongsittithaworn's announcement on March 24 affects five subdistricts, enabling swift emergency measures to combat the ongoing crisis.

 

Initiated on March 12, the fires have ravaged 17 villages in Chiang Dao and Ping Khong subdistricts, while in Omkoi, five villages in Yang Piang, Mae Tuen, and Mon Chong have suffered since March 14. Emergency services, including soldiers and state officials, are working tirelessly to manage the flames, prevent further outbreaks, and prosecute any culprits.

 

The environmental impact is severe, with hazardous PM2.5 levels affecting vast areas. Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, and Mae Hong Son are shrouded in haze, with PM2.5 readings in Chiang Mai’s key districts soaring up to 90 μg/m³, far exceeding the safe standard of 37.5 μg/m³.

 

 

 

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reports that 57 provinces, including Bangkok, are experiencing elevated PM2.5 concentrations. The highest readings were recorded in Bueng Kan at 146.2 μg/m³. The north and central regions, in particular, are suffering from severe air quality issues.

 

Authorities emphasise the need for continued vigilance and cooperation as efforts to contain the fires and mitigate their impact on public health and the environment move forward. The situation remains critical, underscoring the importance of swift action and community support in combating both the wildfires and hazardous air pollution, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-25

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

Very sad that all of us in Thailand have to put up with this and no one does a thing. 

[JingerBen]

The local authorities are totally incompetent.

Nothing will change until they are replaced by people who can fight these wildfires effectively and crack down on the agricultural burning in their localities,

[Tarteso]

Lazy politicians, watching how their country is burn to ashes and do nothing. 

[hotchilli]

10 hours ago, JingerBen said:

The local authorities are totally incompetent.

Nothing will change until they are replaced by people who can fight these wildfires effectively and crack down on the agricultural burning in their localities,

Correct, time for a change in CM leadership.. 

[Tazmo]

Waiver Visa fees annually, for Retirees, until the safe standard of 37.5 is reached

[jippytum]

Thousands of people put a risk and scenic areas turned lnto no go zones by a few inconsiderate people. Sadly the authorities seem unable to control it. 

[newbee2022]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Photo courtesy of International Fire & Safety Journal

 

The relentless wildfires in Chiang Dao and Omkoi districts, Chiang Mai, have led to a disaster zone declaration as local authorities ramp up response efforts. Governor Nirat Phongsittithaworn's announcement on March 24 affects five subdistricts, enabling swift emergency measures to combat the ongoing crisis.

 

Initiated on March 12, the fires have ravaged 17 villages in Chiang Dao and Ping Khong subdistricts, while in Omkoi, five villages in Yang Piang, Mae Tuen, and Mon Chong have suffered since March 14. Emergency services, including soldiers and state officials, are working tirelessly to manage the flames, prevent further outbreaks, and prosecute any culprits.

 

The environmental impact is severe, with hazardous PM2.5 levels affecting vast areas. Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, and Mae Hong Son are shrouded in haze, with PM2.5 readings in Chiang Mai’s key districts soaring up to 90 μg/m³, far exceeding the safe standard of 37.5 μg/m³.

 

 

 

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reports that 57 provinces, including Bangkok, are experiencing elevated PM2.5 concentrations. The highest readings were recorded in Bueng Kan at 146.2 μg/m³. The north and central regions, in particular, are suffering from severe air quality issues.

 

Authorities emphasise the need for continued vigilance and cooperation as efforts to contain the fires and mitigate their impact on public health and the environment move forward. The situation remains critical, underscoring the importance of swift action and community support in combating both the wildfires and hazardous air pollution, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-25

 

 

That's why I left Chiangmai untill the rain season will start and I'll have some kind of fresh air (hope so).

[Presnock]

11 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

Very sad that all of us in Thailand have to put up with this and no one does a thing. 

Until all of ASIA  gets together in efforts to stop the burnings of fields for crops, clearing forest areas, local trash burning, burning of forests to help find mushrooms, then the foul air will continue even with more restrictions on diesel fuel for vehicles.  At least the current Thai administration has reported that they have been talking with the neighboring countries about controlling the burnings and air pollution.  It is not only Thailand, but if one looks at the daily fires from the satellite pictures, all of S. Asia is red! many different countries so spreading that crap all around depending on wind conditions.

[arick]

So you're the bloody province that's sending us all the smoke. 

[ChaiyaTH]

There barely has been real bad air pollution this year so far in CM. Just a few days of 150-180 which is almost normal daily in central Bangkok at rush hours. We were supposed to already have full on terror since weeks with 300-600 level days as well.

 

Purifiers barely have work to do inside houses: mine runs on 7% speed now, lightest xiaomi one, with 35 average quality. Even have the balcony door open and I live right at the forest and mountains. Whatever would still start now won't be lasting that long either, it's near songkran already.

 

Think people who live in central thailand have average way worse air over the year, as well many months a year in total.

[TheFishman1]

[TheFishman1]

Every year the government just keeps talking the same BS but you can see the quality of the pollution living in Chiang Mai TIT

[Moonlover]

17 minutes ago, Presnock said:

Until all of ASIA  gets together in efforts to stop the burnings of fields for crops, clearing forest areas, local trash burning, burning of forests to help find mushrooms, then the foul air will continue even with more restrictions on diesel fuel for vehicles.  At least the current Thai administration has reported that they have been talking with the neighboring countries about controlling the burnings and air pollution.  It is not only Thailand, but if one looks at the daily fires from the satellite pictures, all of S. Asia is red! many different countries so spreading that crap all around depending on wind conditions.

Yes, exactly so. We're in Sakon Nakhon where we very rarely see the AQ level above 'moderate' and usually it's even lower. But today we're seeing 'very unhealthy' at 214 and there isn't even any burning going in this region.

 

However a glance at the satellite map reveals all. Just look at Laos! And we've a steady air from that direction for a few days now, so our bad air is undoubtedly imported.

 

 

[hughrection]

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The relentless wildfires in Chiang Dao and Omkoi districts, Chiang Mai,

For the last time - these are NOT wildfires. These are set by people !!!

[hughrection]

26 minutes ago, Presnock said:

the current Thai administration has reported that they have been talking with the neighboring countries about controlling the burnings and air pollution

........... and that's all it is - Talk. 😞

[hughrection]

34 minutes ago, jippytum said:

Sadly the authorities seem unable to control it. 

There's no money in it for them, so why bother. This is the essence of authority here - if money or advantage cannot be gained then forget about it. 😞

[Presnock]

Just now, hughrection said:

There's no money in it for them, so why bother. This is the essence of authority here - if money or advantage cannot be gained then forget about it. 😞

well, all of S. Asia suffers the same way.  One that reads any international news sees countries from Pakistan/India Eastward suffering during different month usually from pollutiiondepending on he air flows.  Looking at the satellite pictures of open fires shows daily just how bad certain countries in this region are suffering with some almost entirely RED in color.  Trying to get ALL the countries on board in stopping this is basically IMPOSSIBLE IMHO as there are too many, each with different problems that they feel are more important or that they might have a chance to change to the positive as they too recognize that they can't get all to agree to stop the fires!  

[hughrection]

Just now, Presnock said:

well, all of S. Asia suffers the same way.  One that reads any international news sees countries from Pakistan/India Eastward suffering during different month usually from pollutiiondepending on he air flows.  Looking at the satellite pictures of open fires shows daily just how bad certain countries in this region are suffering with some almost entirely RED in color.  Trying to get ALL the countries on board in stopping this is basically IMPOSSIBLE IMHO as there are too many, each with different problems that they feel are more important or that they might have a chance to change to the positive as they too recognize that they can't get all to agree to stop the fires!  

They need to start with the thousands of fires that are currently burning in Thailand ( see satellite images) and then go from there. It will have an influence.

Will they do it - it's a big fat No.

[Patong2021]

11 hours ago, JingerBen said:

The local authorities are totally incompetent.

Nothing will change until they are replaced by people who can fight these wildfires effectively and crack down on the agricultural burning in their localities,

The locals reflect the local people. Replacing them will change nothing. This is Thai culture. Their lives need to get much worse for here to be change.

[Moonlover]

18 minutes ago, hughrection said:

For the last time - these are NOT wildfires. These are set by people !!!

A fire that is out of control is a wildfire, even if it was started on purpose. Ask any Californian fire fighter.

[Presnock]

9 minutes ago, hughrection said:

They need to start with the thousands of fires that are currently burning in Thailand ( see satellite images) and then go from there. It will have an influence.

Will they do it - it's a big fat No.

Today, someone in Laos remarked that with the change in wind from the south to that from the NE( China, VN) laos is heavily polluted today!  Last week NE Thailand was complaining because of Laotian and Maymar burning across the border causing pollution in the Norht and North East of Thailand.  One country can cause pollution throughout the region, not stop it except in a very small area. 

[hughrection]

9 minutes ago, Moonlover said:

A fire that is out of control is a wildfire, even if it was started on purpose. Ask any Californian fire fighter.

I like this definition better ...... Wildfire A wildfire, or forest fire, is an unplanned, uncontrolled fire in an area of flammable vegetation.

 

The fires in Thailand are planned and so don't come under this definition. IMHO. 🙂

[Presnock]

15 minutes ago, hughrection said:

I like this definition better ...... Wildfire A wildfire, or forest fire, is an unplanned, uncontrolled fire in an area of flammable vegetation.

 

The fires in Thailand are planned and so don't come under this definition. IMHO. 🙂

yes the penalties when they do catch the one setting the fires is not worthy enough to make them actually stop doing it! That i my opinion of course and hope the govt can make it worthwhile to have them stop doing i!

[connda]

"Wildfires" my *ss.  Man-made forest fires to promote man-made climate change. And to clear the forest of undergrowth for Rain Season mushroom hunting.

[connda]

Vape: 5 years in prison.
Set a fire in the forest: 1K THB fine and a hand-slap.

Interesting set of social priorities here methinks.

 

[stix40]

Useless government 

Sort out your own backyard first before blaming your nextdoor neighbour ! 

More money for equipment 

Manpower 

Training etc 

Every year same excuses 

All talk no action 

While your citizens and tourism have to put up with this <Sh1-t> air quality! 

 

 

 

 

[keysersoze276]

Didn’t the government of Thailand say 4-5 months ago that the main cause of PM2.5 was out of control across Thailand for months causing schools to close and people to work from home was due to surrounding countries?  Any of us that have been in Thailand for even just a single year have probably heard the Thai government saying they are “set to combat illegal burnings of crops”.  How many years have they announced plans to deal with this issue?  15? 20? 50?  At least 15. Now the villages are burned to a crisp in northern Thailand because of what, Malaysia?  

[ChaiyaTH]

2 hours ago, stix40 said:

Useless government 

Sort out your own backyard first before blaming your nextdoor neighbour ! 

More money for equipment 

Manpower 

Training etc 

Every year same excuses 

All talk no action 

While your citizens and tourism have to put up with this <Sh1-t> air quality! 

Manpower? Training? Equipment? What are you talking about. You simply need to jail the first few people for life in prison, make sure everyone knows that and it stops tomorrow. I don't understand this in the first place, is not like you can burn down central mall as well, just jail people.

[Captor]

5 hours ago, Tarteso said:

Lazy politicians, watching how their country is burn to ashes and do nothing. 

And their own families dying from PM2.5. Amazing!