Thailand
Agency reports deteriorating air quality in Thailand’s North and Northeast

Air quality in Thailand’s North and Northeast is deteriorating mostly due to farmers burning waste, and villagers lighting fires in forests. Thai PBS reports that the air quality “may” pose a risk to people’s health. The country’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency said that on Tuesday there were 1,060 ‘hot spots’ across Thailand. 110 of the hotspots were in Chiang Mai province, and 92 were in Lampang province. The hot spots are leading to increasing levels of PM2.5 dust.
In addition to farmers burning waste, villagers often light fires in forests while they hunt for animals, pick produce, or clear plants ahead of the rainy season. 301 of the 1,060 hot spots on Tuesday were in forest reserves, and 254 were in conserved forests. 248 were in farming areas, and 146 were in land reform areas. 104 were in local communities, and seven were along highways.
Even though burning is causing most of the hot spots, GISTDA says it is also concerned about dust levels in surrounding countries, since winds have been blowing dust into Thailand. GISTDA said there were 4,212 hot spots in Myanmar, 2479 in Laos, and 1,743 in Cambodia during the same time as there were 1,060 in Thailand.
On Tuesday, GISTDA posted a graphic of the hot spots in Thailand on Facebook.

A graphic of ‘hot spots’, where there is high risk of bad air quality. Photo by GISTDA.
SOURCE: Thai PBS World | GISTDA
Join the conversation and have your say on Thailand news published on The Thaiger.
Thaiger Talk is our new Thaiger Community where you can join the discussion on everything happening in Thailand right now.
Please note that articles are not posted to the forum instantly and can take up to 20 min before being visible. Click for more information and the Thaiger Talk Guidelines.
- Business3 days ago
Mixed fortunes for Thai Airways but nation’s flag carrier confident of financial take off
- Coronavirus (Covid-19)1 day ago
BREAKING: Bars reopening in Thailand’s “Green” and “Blue” Zones, changes to Thailand Pass
- Crime2 days ago
Danish man left suicidal after being raped for a week in Phuket
- Education3 days ago
Why you should study Thai to explore Thailand
- Bangkok3 days ago
Alcohol sales ban planned for Pattaya and Bangkok elections
- Bangkok2 days ago
UPDATE: Bangkok governor candidates answer Russell Crowe’s questions on TV
- Environment3 days ago
Black water still flowing into ocean at Phuket’s Kamala Beach
- Bangkok3 days ago
Foreigner claims Bangkok taxi driver overcharged on a Thai holy day
Recent comments: