Northern Thailand choked by pollution from over 2,000 forest fires yesterday

The North of Thailand remains under a thick blanket of hazardous smog, as the latest satellite data on April 16 reveals a surge in forest fires, with over 2,000 hotspots detected across 17 provinces.

According to the Northern Forest Fire and Haze Control Centre of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, data from the Suomi NPP satellite (VIIRS system) recorded a total of 2,165 hotspots as of 1.43am yesterday.

The vast majority of the fires are concentrated within protected forest lands, with conservation forests accounting for the highest share at 1,329 hotspots. This is followed by 720 identified in national forest reserves and 116 in non-forested areas.

Nan province topped the list with the highest number of fires (287), followed closely by Chiang Rai (283) and Lampang (278).

Other heavily affected areas include Chiang Mai, which recorded 244 hotspots, and Tak with 180.

The Air Pollution Coordination Centre of the Pollution Control Department reported that air quality across all 17 northern provinces has fallen to unhealthy levels, marked by orange and red alerts.

The most critical air quality conditions were recorded in Chiang Rai, where PM2.5 levels in Wiang sub-district of Chiang Khong district reached 188.7mg/m3.

This figure falls well within the red category, signifying a direct and serious impact on public health. Similarly hazardous conditions were observed in the province's Mae Sai district, where Wiang Phang Kham sub-district recorded a concentration of 166.4mg/m3.

Authorities are advising residents in the affected areas to avoid outdoor activities and wear high-efficiency masks, as the PM2.5 concentrations remain significantly above the national safety standard.