Chiang Mai Battles Severe Air Pollution Amidst Persistent Wildfires

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of Panumet Tanraksa

 

Chiang Mai is facing a severe air pollution crisis as wildfires continue to rage across its districts, with over 150 hotspots currently active. On April 1, thick smoke engulfed the northern province, notably affecting areas such as Hot, Chiang Dao, and Phrao with numerous fire flare-ups.

 

Residents experienced irritation in their eyes and throats as Chiang Mai ranked as the world's third most polluted city. IQAir reported a PM2.5 concentration of 170 µg/m³, far surpassing the safe limit of 34.7 µg/m³, highlighting the urgent need for mitigation efforts.

 

Local authorities have introduced measures to combat the haze, including operating fountains and water-spraying vehicles around the old city moat. Despite these efforts, PM2.5 levels in areas like Chiang Dao district soared to alarming heights of 240 µg/m³.

 

In nearby Mae Hong Son, joint efforts successfully contained a fire near Ban Mae Sa Pe Tai in Khun Yuam district. Coordination between the Protected Areas Regional Office 16, Region 3 Forest Fire Control Centre, and the Royal Thai Air Force proved effective. Using BT-67 aircraft, guided by the fire control centre, they executed precise water drops over affected regions, although challenging terrain makes aerial firefighting crucial.

 

 

 

Ekkawit Meepian, the provincial governor, has mobilised further resources, including helicopters and additional BT-67 aircraft, to tackle the persistent wildfires until conditions improve.

 

Pornthep Charoensuebsakul, underscoring the significance of cooperation, called for sustained efforts across government agencies, private organisations, and the public to prevent forest and agricultural burning. "This collaborative effort aims to promote sustainable conservation initiatives to protect northern Thailand from future pollution challenges," he stated.

 

As the region grapples with this environmental crisis, ongoing collaboration remains critical to restore air quality and ensure the safety and health of Chiang Mai's residents, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-04-02

 

 

[JingerBen]

What a load of codswallop.

The local authorities are totally incompetent.

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

[JoePai]

I can understand why geographically poor air can be trapped(?) in that area but that and the political will not to stop the burning in Thailand and Laos/Burma etc defeats me.

Another thing thing amazes me is why, when you have a choice as foreigners do, they go to live there – maybe a death wish?

[Guderian]

It's not only Chiang Mai. I was on a break in Prachuap last week and this was the view at the famous Ao Manao.

 

[Gknrd]

So, just another typical day in Chiang Mai.  Ok, noted... Thanks

[koolkarl]

Perhaps if some of these politicians got lung cancer, something would finally happen.

Or maybe you will find them in Phuket now.

[malibukid]

life has always been cheap in SE Asia

[DD86]

Fine the living snot out of them burners. No money then jail time. See if that's gonna hurt them.

Any village headman who refuses to cooperate will be fired for not following orders.

So are all governors and other so called hi so regulators. Point.

 

[hotchilli]

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Chiang Mai is facing a severe air pollution crisis as wildfires continue to rage across its districts, with over 150 hotspots currently active. On April 1, thick smoke engulfed the northern province, notably affecting areas such as Hot, Chiang Dao, and Phrao with numerous fire flare-ups.

Some things never change... including the governor

[robz]

Not just Chiang Mai – since I stay in Thailand, always some people burn something near my house. So annoying!

[Cameroni]

My two air quality monitors inside this Chiang Mai house say "good air quality". Not even running the air purifiers.

 

Wh

[pattayadgw]

When is the govt going to get serious about this air quality issue?  Its seems to be getting more serious every year and besides effecting everyone living here its certainly got to be giving the country a bad name for tourism.