Picture courtesy of Workpoint

Chiang Mai has imposed a province-wide ban on open burning for five months, effective from 1 January to 31 May 2026, in a renewed effort to tackle the persistent PM2.5 air pollution crisis. The immediate impact is a strict prohibition on all forms of open burning outside designated fuel management areas, with authorities warning that violators will face firm legal action.

The order was signed on 2 January 2026 by Chiang Mai Governor Ratthaphon Naradisorn, who issued an official provincial announcement designating fuel management zones and controlled burning areas for the 2026 fiscal year. In all areas outside approved fuel management zones, any open burning is forbidden, while burning of rubbish, branches and leaves is also banned within communities. Officials have been instructed to enforce the law decisively in all cases of non-compliance.

Chiang Mai has faced severe haze problems for many years, particularly during the dry season, when PM2.5 levels often exceed safety standards by several times. The main sources of air pollution have been identified as open burning, agricultural burning, community waste burning and vehicle exhaust emissions. The situation has had a significant impact on public health, prompting repeated emergency measures each year.

The provincial announcement allows limited exceptions for essential fuel management, but only under strict conditions. Anyone seeking to conduct such burning must register through the Fire-D/Burn Check system and obtain approval from the district-level Centre for the Prevention and Resolution of Forest Fires, Haze, and Fine Dust. Approved operations must include firebreaks and clear measures to prevent fires spreading to surrounding areas.

At the national level, the National Environment Board has declared Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun and Mae Hong Son as pollution control zones under the 2568 designation. This status is intended to support measures to control, reduce, and eliminate pollution during the critical period from February to May each year.

Monitoring data already indicates rising pollution levels in Chiang Mai. The Climate Change Data Centre at Chiang Mai University reported that, at 10.00 am, the highest hourly PM2.5 reading was recorded in Sri Dong Yen subdistrict, Chai Prakan district, at 74 micrograms per cubic metre, classified as orange level and posing health risks. In the city area, Mae Hia subdistrict recorded 52 micrograms per cubic metre.

Workpoint reported that authorities are expected to closely monitor air quality and enforcement outcomes over the coming months. The effectiveness of the extended burning ban will be assessed as the peak haze season approaches, with continued coordination between provincial, district, and community-level agencies.

Key Takeaways

• Chiang Mai has enforced a complete open burning ban from 1 January to 31 May 2026 to combat PM2.5 pollution.

• Limited fuel management burning is permitted only with registration, approval, and strict fire control measures.

• PM2.5 levels are already rising, with readings reaching 74 micrograms per cubic metre in some districts.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Workpointnews 2026-01-04

 

 

Why not year round ?

Will this ban be enforced?

This should be the case nationwide. It's terrible here in Pattaya.

No enforcement so nothing will change, same every year. We went there 7 years ago and took wife 6 weeks to get her breathing back to normal. Never returned

I wished it would be valid Nation wide!

was up at the Thai/Myanmar border on Doi Ang Khang last Wednesday. Looking into Myanmar no smoke haze at all, looking back over the valley on the Thai side, smoke haze everywhere. However, it's not big burning off that creates the haze here, it's all the small burning combined that creates the problem. Unfortunately the older Thais/Hill Tribe people only know this way to dispose of their garden/farm refuse. Fines will never be imposed in this area because even the officials are guilty of burning off on their own properties.

The Thai Govt MUST start an education program in the schools informing the kids of the health hazards burning off creates and teach them about mulching and composting. Until this happens, the burning off will never change.

It will be interesting to see what effect this has on the air quality in Bangkok and Pattaya as we are entering smog season now. Cold, Arctic winds that blow from the north in winter are usually responsible for the crappy air in Bangkok this time of year. By May 31, the winds will have turned around and will be blowing from the south (Monsoon winds) and all the crappy air should be pushed north.

2 hours ago, biggles45 said:

No enforcement so nothing will change, same every year.

Last year was pretty mild - hardly noticeable. A combination of enforcement and better weather conditions perhaps

Why only 5 months??? If burning is bad--and, of course, it is--the ban should be year-round. Wonder what the 'firm legal action' is going to be, and how strongly the ban will be enforced. My guess--weak on both.

The 2025 "Burn Season" was the least smoky season that I've seen since moving here in 2007. The burn bans seem to now have some effect. Hope we'll see the same here in Northern Thailand in 2026.

Maybe ring Ratthaphon Naradisorn, the governor, whenever they breach this regulation and the phone will be off the hook until 31 May, 24/7. It would be the very very very first time that such popular statements would proof a ray of hope on the horizon.

Don't bank on it and if gambling would be illegal, I would even bet a million to one on this ;-)

Same old BS, make a proposal but do nothing.

Out on my Bike just below the Mountains every morning and i see Fires burning and smoke rising daily. They will never stop it.