Chiang Mai, Thailand – March 25 – Chiang Mai remains blanketed in thick smog, with PM2.5 pollution levels surging and the city ranking 7th worst in the world for air quality this morning. Many residents report eye and throat irritation, forcing them to wear masks at all times. The northern region continues to experience over 500 detected hotspots, exacerbating the air pollution crisis.
Throughout the morning, Chiang Mai’s skyline was shrouded in haze, barely revealing Doi Suthep. Commuters and outdoor workers have been increasingly affected, with motorcyclists experiencing teary eyes, burning sensations, and persistent coughing, even while wearing masks. Locals express hopes for clearer skies before Songkran, as the festival marks a peak tourism period.
According to Chiang Mai University’s Climate Change Data Center (CMUCCDC), the highest recorded PM2.5 level at 10:00 AM reached 378 µg/m³ at Ban Arunothai Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital in Chiang Dao District. In Mueang District, pollution peaked at 103 µg/m³, exceeding hazardous thresholds.
Meanwhile, IQAir, a global air quality monitoring website, ranked Chiang Mai 7th among the world’s most polluted cities at 10:00 AM, with an AQI of 167. The main cause remains widespread burning, with 502 hotspots detected, including 72 in Mae Hong Son, predominantly in conservation forests (304 hotspots), followed by protected forests and agricultural areas. (TNA)
