Northern Thailand hit by seasonal smog

20 Feb 2012

The northern regions of Thailand were covered in a haze early on Friday and Saturday. In the middle of the old city, near the Three King’s Monument, local council officials measured the amount of dust particles in the air at almost 165 micrograms a cubic metre, way above the safe level of 120 micrograms.

Later on Saturday, tests at the same location showed readings approaching the 300 micrograms a meter mark. The northern regions of the country are occasionally hit by haze at this time of year.

The smog is a result of farmers in the area and in surrounding countries burning off stubble as well as forest fires. Vegetation and forests are traditionally dry at this time of year, as the rainy season has long finished, and combust easily.

Yesterday health minister Witthaya Buranasiri said 50,000 face masks had been given to local authorities in Chiang Mai and seven other northern provinces. He said the protective masks would be given to residents living in districts with abnormally high dust to air ratios.

The governor of Chiang Mai, Pasadda Diskul, said he had told local district heads to take action against farmers burning stubble and encroaching on forest land. He added that city authorities planned to ask the Ministry of Agriculture for help with inducing artificial rain.

Tags: Northern Thailand smog