Chiang Mai struggles with severe air pollution from wildfires
Chiang Mai is currently grappling with severe air pollution due to ongoing wildfires across various districts, with over 150 hotspots identified.
Yesterday, April 1, wildfires persisted in mountainous regions of the northern province, with 150 active hotspots reported in 15 districts. The most affected areas include Hot with 34 hotspots, Chiang Dao with 26, and Phrao with 23.
Thick smoke continues to envelop the city, which ranked as the world’s third most polluted yesterday morning, April 1, resulting in eye and throat irritation for residents.
According to IQAir, Chiang Mai recorded a PM2.5 concentration of 170 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³), significantly exceeding the safety limit of 34.7 µg/m³.
The pollution levels have remained perilously high, prompting local measures such as activating fountains and deploying water-spraying vehicles along the old city moat to increase humidity and alleviate the haze, particularly in densely populated areas.
Data from the Climate Change Data Centre at Chiang Mai University indicated alarmingly high PM2.5 levels in several areas yesterday morning, with Chiang Dao district reaching 240 µg/m³.
In Mae Hong Son, a fire near Ban Mae Sa Pe Tai in Khun Yuam district was successfully contained, according to Pornthep Charoensuebsakul, director of Protected Areas Regional Office 16. This achievement was due to close collaboration between the office, the Region 3 Forest Fire Control Centre, and the Royal Thai Air Force.
An air force BT-67 aircraft, guided by the forest fire control centre, conducted two flights on March 31, releasing 6,000 litres of water over the affected areas. Ground support teams coordinated with pilots via radio for precise water drops. Due to challenging terrain, aerial firefighting continues to be essential in combating wildfires in Mae Hong Son.
Ekkawit Meepian, the province’s governor, has mobilised resources, including helicopters from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and BT-67 aircraft from Phitsanulok, to address the wildfires until conditions improve, reported Bangkok Post.
Despite recent successes, Pornthep emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation among government agencies, private organisations, and the public to prevent forest and agricultural burning.
“This collaborative effort aims to promote sustainable conservation initiatives to protect northern Thailand from future pollution challenges.”
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