Smoked out in Northern Thailand

Posted by paul on March 27th, 2008 filed in tourist tips, Living here

Last weekend local forest fires in Indonesia and Malaysia resulted in parts of Northern Thailand being hit by severe smog. Residents in Lampang and Chiang Mai suffered from respiratory problems caused by the thick smog.

Such forest fires normally occur during the hot season when land encroachers and farmers burn down trees. Local authorities warned residents not to make campfires in forested areas and to wear protecting masks for as long as the conditions do not improve.

Wearing a mask like this will avoid respiratory problems. During severe smog free masks will be distrubuted throughout the city.

Also affected by the smog are the provinces of Phetchabun, Tak, and Chiang Rai. Since the unhealthy air began to reach the Northern provinces last weekend there were fortunately no reports yet, of local residents being admitted to hospitals.

During the days in early February similar problems were experienced in this region. Hopefully the rainfall which is expected by the end of this week will reduce the smog and wash out sedimentary particles and dust.

Chiang Mai measured the highest amount of dust particles smaller than ten microns, 206.2 micrograms/m3, while the detected amount in Lampang was 153.5 micrograms/m3.

Smog in Chiang Mai

Especially young children and the elderly should wear masks to avoid breathing problems. Symptoms caused by exposure to the smog usually include: sore throat, rash, eye irritation and breathing difficulties. When residents or tourists start wheezing they should quickly seek treatment.

Guide to Chiang Mai health issues