Surge in smog levels exceeds safe limits in northern Thailand
A surge in smog levels was experienced this morning, with PM2.5 dust readings surpassing 200 microgrammes per cubic metre of air in three northern provinces, including Chiang Mai.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) disclosed at 9am that 20 provinces registered red (significantly harmful) levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and below in diameter (PM2.5). The readings fluctuated between 76.1 and 227.2 microgrammes per cubic metre of air during the last 24 hours. The safety limit set by the government is 37.5µg/m³.
The worst scenario was observed in the northern province of Mae Hong Son, where the level recorded was 227.2µg/m³. Other highly affected areas included Chiang Rai at 209.2µg/m³, Chiang Mai at 208.5µg/m³, Phayao at 183.4µg/m³, and Nan at 173.8µg/m³. The remaining provinces within the red-level zone were Lamphun, Lampang, Phrae, Uttaradit, Loei, Tak, Nakhon Phanom, Udon Thani, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Sukhothai, Kalasin, and Mukdahan.
Furthermore, orange levels, indicating initial unsafety, of PM2.5 were found in 19 other provinces. The readings here varied from 39.1 to 67.9µg/m³. The provinces were Khon Kaen, Phitsanulok, Amnat Charoen, Phetchabun, Kamphaeng Phet, Ubon Ratchathani, Maha Sarakham, Chaiyaphum, Roi Et, Yasothon, Kanchanaburi, Uthai Thani, Phichit, SiSsaket, Nakhon Ratchasima, Surin, Buriram, Nakhon Sawan, and Ratchaburi.
The regions experiencing moderate to good air quality were provinces in the lower central plain, the lower northeast, the east, and the south. The eastern province of Rayong recorded the best air quality with a level of 15.5µg/m³, closely followed by Trat, also in the east, with 15.9µg/m³, reported Bangkok Post.
The intensity of the red-coded PM2.5 levels was higher yesterday, April 2. GISTDA’s map indicates how the red zones of PM2.5 blanketed the north, the upper central plain, and the upper northeast this morning.
In related news, northern Thailand is grappling with a persistent smog problem, typically attributed to crop waste burning, deforestation for mushroom harvesting and vehicle emissions, prompting calls for a global shift to plant-based diets.
