Ministry of Health Distributes 250,000 Face Masks to Combat Northern Thailand Haze

A teacher helps her student put on a face mask due to the haze

CHIANG RAI – Mae Sai Hospital in Chiang Rai reports the number of patients with respiratory problems has increased by 10 – 20 per cent, people are warned not to exercise outdoors, refrain from smoking and drink a lot of water to help lessen the effect of haze to their health.

Deputy Minister of Public Health Dr. Somsak Chunharas has reported that his Ministry has distributed 250,000 masks to people in Northern Thailand that have been effected by smog and haze for weeks.

Dr. Somsak Chunharas said every hospital in the nine upper northern provinces was instructed to prepare adequate medical equipment and supplies to service local residents who were suffering from haze caused by agricultural burning and forest fires.

About 250,000 masks have been handed out at local hospitals while another 150,000 are in stock ready to be distributed.

The PCD Director-General said that the department is now closely monitoring the situation and has asked the public to follow the safety recommendations that advise elders, children, and persons with respiratory tract diseases to avoid staying in a haze covered area.

The public are also advised to cover their nose and mouth with masks or cloths, while the general public is urged to monitor official announcements and seek medical attention should any symptom of illness occurs.