Chiang Mai declared disaster zone due to ongoing wildfires

Puntid Tantivangphaisal2 days agoLast Updated: Tuesday, March 25, 2025

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Chiang Mai declared disaster zone due to ongoing wildfires — Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail

Wildfires in Chiang Dao and Omkoi districts of Chiang Mai have been raging for two weeks, prompting the declaration of disaster zones as local efforts intensify to manage the situation.

Chiang Mai governor Nirat Phongsittithaworn yesterday, March 24, announced that five subdistricts within these districts are now designated as disaster areas.

This decision enables the implementation of emergency relief and heightened wildfire monitoring. The governor emphasised the importance of these measures for assisting soldiers and state officials in managing hotspots, preventing human-initiated fires, and arresting and prosecuting those responsible.

The wildfires sparked in Chiang Dao district on March 12, affecting 17 villages in Chiang Dao and Ping Khong subdistricts. In Omkoi district, fires began on March 14, impacting five villages in Yang Piang, Mae Tuen, and Mon Chong subdistricts.

Chiang Mai declared disaster zone due to ongoing wildfires | News by Thaiger — Photo courtesy of International Fire & Safety Journal

As reported by the Environment and Pollution Control Office, the haze from these fires extended its reach to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, and Mae Hong Son as of yesterday, March 24, with some areas experiencing elevated PM2.5 levels.

In Chiang Mai’s Mueang, Chiang Dao, and Hod districts, PM2.5 levels ranged from 83.3 to 90 microgrammes per cubic metre (μg/m³), posing a health hazard.

Lamphun’s Mueang and Li districts, along with Mae Hong Son’s Mueang and Pai districts, recorded even higher levels, ranging from 89.5 to 110.2 μg/m³.

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) indicated that 57 provinces, including Bangkok, reported high PM2.5 concentrations on Monday morning.

The north, northeast, central plains, and east regions recorded hazardous dust levels, while the south experienced comparatively lower levels, reported Bangkok Post.

Bueng Kan registered the highest PM2.5 level at 146.2µg/m³, followed by Nong Khai (131.5), Loei (121.3), Nan (118.1), Phrae (117.6), Mae Hong Son (114.1), Lampang (106.4), Sing Buri (105.4), Uttaradit (104.2), Nong Bua Lam Phu (104), Chai Nat (103.8), Udon Thani (103.5), Phitsanulok (103.4), Phayao (103), Sukhothai (102.9), and Bangkok (99.7).

The government considers PM2.5 levels safe at 37.5 μg/m³.

Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Originally from Hong Kong, Puntid moved to Bangkok in 2020 to pursue further studies in translation. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Hong Kong. Puntid spent 8 years living in Manchester, UK. Before joining The Thaiger, Puntid has been a freelance translator for 2 years. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and listening to music, as well as writing short fiction and poetry.