Phuket haze not Indonesia’s fault, says expert

PHUKET: The Indonesian fire haze that has settled over Kula Lumpar is not associated with the thick haze that Phuket residents woke up to this morning, confirmed a top official at the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD).

“This is ‘wet haze’, which is normal,” said Suntad Panbanpaew, director of the Phuket TMD weather center. “This weather condition often occurs with high relative humidity and stagnant air flow.”

The visibility reduction is caused by numerous particles of dust, which are being held close to the surface of the island by the current atmospheric pressure, explained Mr Suntad.

“The haze should lift in the next couple of days. However, if it rains, it will disappear faster,” Mr Suntad said. “We will be checking the air quality every three hours and make an announcement if there is any danger to the public.”

— Nattha Thepbamrung