CHIANG MAI, Thailand – The hazardous smoke from forest fires has once again engulfed the city of Chiang Mai, with pollution levels reaching alarming heights. Chiang Mai was ranked as the 5th most polluted city in the world, with air quality significantly affecting public health.
Residents of Chiang Mai continue to struggle with the haze of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that has once again blanketed the city. In some areas, pollution levels have exceeded 300 micrograms per cubic meter, marking the air quality as hazardous. As a result, Chiang Mai has been ranked as one of the most polluted cities globally. The city has also declared two districts as disaster zones due to the ongoing wildfire crisis.
On the morning of March 24, residents woke to a city shrouded in thick smog, causing widespread discomfort. Many people experienced eye irritation, a burning sensation in their noses, and coughing, particularly those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and children, have been especially affected. Even those wearing face masks have reported difficulty in breathing. As a result, many people have been advised to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities. Despite the severe air quality, tourists were still seen visiting the Tha Pae Gate area for photos, some wearing masks, while others were unprotected.
At 10:00 AM, the Chiang Mai University Climate Change Data Center (cmuccdc) recorded the highest hourly PM2.5 levels at 611 micrograms per cubic meter at Ban Pang Fueang Health Promotion Hospital. This was classified as an extremely hazardous air quality level. The second-highest reading, at 256 micrograms per cubic meter, was observed at Ban Pang Ma Yao Health Promotion Hospital in the Chiang Dao district. In the city center, the hourly PM2.5 level peaked at 177 micrograms per cubic meter, still considered hazardous to health.
According to the IQAir website, which ranks global cities based on air pollution levels, Chiang Mai held the fifth spot with a PM2.5 reading of 177 micrograms per cubic meter, while Bangkok ranked seventh with a reading of 163 micrograms per cubic meter.
In response to the escalating pollution and wildfire crisis, the Chiang Mai Provincial Government has declared several areas in the districts of Chiang Dao and Omkoi as disaster zones. Governor Nirat Phongsitthaworn stated that the declaration aims to mobilize military and other relevant officials to assist in monitoring, preventing, and prosecuting those involved in illegal activities related to the wildfires. The government is also taking urgent measures to control the situation and provide immediate relief to those affected by the fires.
Officials have called for all related departments to take action in accordance with the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2007, as well as other national and regional disaster response plans. Emergency aid will be provided to those impacted, following guidelines set by the Ministry of Finance. (TNA)
