Illegal land occupation

[george]

Thai monarch asks for smog monitoring in northern provinces

CHIANG MAI: -- His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is concerned about the smog covering Chiang Mai and its adverse affects on local residents.

Speaking during a meeting on responding to forest fire and smog problems on the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Amnart Decha, groundskeeper of the Bhubing Palace said that His Majesty King Bhumibol is concerned, and has ordered that the latest situation be reported to the Royal Household Bureau daily.

If the situation doesn't improve, he will order artificial rainmaking operations to proceed.

Chiang Mai governor Wiboon Sanguanpong said that the local authorities are gearing up to conduct a survey at forested areas to combat deforestation and forest burning.

The air quality in Chiang Mai on Tuesday was measured at 81 microgrammes per cubic metre (mgcm) and 119 mg/cb. The maximum safety level is below 120 mgcm.

Meanwhile, Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsab ordered the Department of Disease Control stockpile to be opened to distribute 200,000 masks to local residents in areas where airborne dust particles are higher than the standard level in eight northern provinces.

Nakornping hospital deputy director Dr. Chatchai Koonrangsisomboon said that smog blanketing the provincial seat posed a health problem on local residents. About 200 persons with respiratory illnesses were treated at hospital on a daily basis, he said, with most patients being the elderly and children under age 14.

According to a survey at hospitals in Chiang Mai, there were about 20,000 patients with respiratory illnesses since the beginning of this year.

-- TNA 2008-03-25

[billd766]

I am old enough to remember smog in the UK during the 1950s and it was terrible then but mainly in the winter. It used to kill the young and old indiscriminately. Black snot and phleghm all over the place and a lot of respiratory problems.

UK was cold. I can't imagine what it must be like when it is this hot.