Northern Thailand choked by smoke as fires persist

Forest fires continue to rage across Thailand’s northern provinces, filling the air with PM2.5 pollutants that have reached health-threatening levels in 17 areas today.

A total of 1,518 hotspots detected by the Suomi NPP weather satellite were reported today across the northern provinces, including 1,013 in conservation forests, 435 in national forest reserves and 70 in other areas. Tak recorded the highest number of hotspots at 238, followed by Chiang Mai with 237, Nan with 222 and Lampang with 200.

Some Chiang Mai residents told Thai PBS that they have been adversely affected by PM2.5 pollution for more than a month, with little improvement. Several said they are experiencing breathing difficulties, sore throats and eye irritation.

A monk from Chedi Luang Temple in Chiang Mai was seen joining firefighting volunteers in efforts to contain forest fires in Mae Rim district, while a helicopter hovered above a forest, dumping large “Bambi bucket” loads of water in a desperate attempt to extinguish the flames.

PM2.5 levels in the 17 areas were measured today at between 43.5 and 175.9 micrograms per cubic metre, exceeding the safe standard of 37.5. Chiang Mai’s air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 169, ranking the city as the world’s fourth most polluted, behind Baghdad, Kuwait City and Delhi.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the 7th Infantry Division barracks in Mae Rim district this morning to receive an update on the wildfire situation.

Deputy Interior Minister Jeseth Thaiseth said the ministry will ask the Cabinet tomorrow for additional funding to build dust-free rooms in northern provinces.

Meanwhile, People’s Party MP for Chiang Mai, Phattarapong Leelaphat, urged the Cabinet to revive the Clean Air Bill for reconsideration, warning that it will otherwise be dropped within the next three weeks.

He said it is well known that the PM2.5 problem typically worsens between March and May, yet successive governments and relevant agencies have been ill-prepared to deal with it effectively.