Chiang Rai News
Smog in Northern Thailand Increases to Unhealthy Rates
CHIANG RAI – The Pollution Control Department has warned six northern provinces of continued smog and its tendency to increase after more hot spots occurred.
The department has requested relevant units to urgently implement measures to reduce and control outdoor burning and encouraged the public to avoid burning garbage. Children, the elderly and respiratory disease patients are advised to avoid taking part in activities in smog-covered areas or use a face mask.
Director-General of the Pollution Control Department Wichian Chungrungrueng on Monday reported the results of air quality tests in the northern region, saying that an PM10 level in the area was 17-157 micrograms/cubic meter and the overall air quality was in the good to unhealthy for sensitive groups range. The level of particulate matter was not changed much from the previous day especially in Phayao and Nan provinces where a dust level was measured at 157 micrograms/cubic meter. Lampang province had 145 micrograms/cubic meter, followed by Phrae and Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai, said the official.
As for hotspots in Thailand, there are currently 106 accumulative hotspots, including 38 spots in forest reserves, 20 in conserved forests and 48 in farmland.