Smog Disrupts Flights in Chiang Mai

[Jacob Maslow]

Chiang Mai’s immense smog has caused further issues for the northern city. Tuesday’s smog levels rose above safety levels, preventing at least four flights to Chiang Mai Airport from landing. Poor visibility is the biggest concern for pilots.

The city is attempting to alleviate the smog issue by banning outdoor burning. So far, a 60-year-old man was arrested for violating the ban. Chiang Mai officials are currently working on other solutions to alleviate the disrupting smog. Fire trucks have been seen sprinkling water into the air in an attempt to reduce the dust and particles.

As of 1pm on Tuesday, small particle readings were as high as 279 micrograms per cubic meter in the city. This is more than double the maximum safety level of 120mcg. Between the hours of 11am and 1pm, visibility at Chiang Mai Airport was only 800 meters.

The four flights that did not land at the airport were diverted. A flight from Bangkok landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport, two flights landed at Mae Fah Luang Airport, and one flight flew to Don Mueang.

No other reports of flight disruptions have been released at this time.

Chiang Mai is not the only airport to suffer from visibility issues. Myanmar is also combating immense smog, and all flights landing at Tachilek Airport were cancelled.

The daily lives of Chiang Mai locals have been disrupted as a result of the smog. Many residents have been admitted to local hospitals due to respiratory problems. The director of tourism in the region states that the smog has not affected tourism.

Local officials state that burning of agricultural waste is the biggest contributor to the smog plaguing the city. There is a current 60-day burning ban in place. Villagers state that they’re not the only ones to blame for the issue and urge stronger policies against businesses burning waste illegally.

-- 2015-03-18

[kalbo123]

Wonder how they know that tourism is not affected, I know of a few people that wanted to come here but didn't because of the smog, so another lie, or just ignoring the fact that it's really bad?

[khwaibah]

BEAUTIFUL.

[MaeJoMTB]

Why use a faked photo?

Is it because a real photo doesn't look that bad.

Edited March 18, 2015 by MaeJoMTB

[Vatman]

Air pollution will eventually make Northern Thailand a tourist no-go destination.

[neverdie]

Every years. Paradise ?

No thanks.

[Thailand]

It should be OK, the combination of military,police etc have apprehended the 60 year old firestarter.

Is it OK to say that a certain minister is talking out of his rear?

[CNXBKKMAN]

Air pollution will eventually make Northern Thailand a tourist no-go destination.

It only lasts for about one month, March. What about the other 11 months.

[angiolo]

One month is enough . However I have had a brainwave,,instead of spraying the air ,the firemen could spray the fires . I must tell the PM and get a medal.

[NeilSA1]

Why use a faked photo?

Is it because a real photo doesn't look that bad.

Thanks for that. I thought the other photo was not in focus (on Purpose), to emphasize the 'smog'. Surely the writer of the article should have noticed this or was he complicit in this duplicity?

[rhinoboy]

"Fire trucks have been seen sprinkling water into the air in an attempt to reduce the dust and particles."

This should help. MAybe everyone get out in front of their house and spray into the air. I will spray out my condo window.

[rhinoboy]

Maybe I will just take a piss off the balcony