CHAING MAI– The Governor of Chiang Mai has ordered all 25 districts to strictly enforce a total ban on burning. Authorities are mobilizing forces to monitor and prevent fire risks throughout the Songkran festival period.
This comes as the region remains blanketed in thick forest fire smoke, with pollution levels exceeding safety standards, and air ventilation expected to decrease. Currently, 22 cases have been filed against illegal burners as law enforcement continues to take serious action.
On April 10, reports indicated that the forest fire smoke and air quality situation in Chiang Mai remains severe. The city is covered in dense smog, and air pollution measurements have reached levels that impact public health.
This is largely due to numerous illegal forest fires across the province. Despite efforts from various agencies—including ground and air firefighting teams and cloud-seeding operations—the situation has only slightly improved as new fires continue to be set.
Satellite data from this morning revealed 231 hotspots in Chiang Mai province. The highest numbers were found in:
- Chiang Dao District:65 points
- Hot District:35 points
- Phrao District:30 points
Across the 17 northern provinces, a total of 2,340 hotspots were detected, with Mae Hong Son recording the highest at 773 points.
Air Quality Readings
The Pollution Control Department reported that air quality in all stations across Chiang Mai has exceeded safety standards. PM 2.5 levels (24-hour average as of 7:00 AM) were recorded as follows:
- Chiang Dao (Mueang Na):133.6 µg/m³ (AQI 259)
- Mae Chaem (Chang Khoeng):105.5 µg/m³ (AQI 231)
- Chiang Mai City (Chang Phueak):82.5 µg/m³ (AQI 208)
(Note: The standard safety limit is 37.5 µg/m³).
Globally, the website IQAir ranked Chiang Mai as the 6th most polluted major city in the world at 1:00 PM today, with Cairo, Hanoi, and Karachi taking the top three spots.
Governor Nirat Pongsitthivถorn chaired a video conference with all 25 districts to monitor the situation closely. While air ventilation is expected to be fair until April 11, the Northern Meteorological Center warns that ventilation will drop between April 13 and 15. This could lead to further dust accumulation during the Songkran holidays.
The Chiang Mai Governor has ordered districts to:
- Communicate clearly with residents to stop all burning.
- Enforce the law strictly. So far, 22 cases have been initiated involving 23 suspects. Penalties include 4 to 10 years in prison and fines ranging from 400,000 to 2 million Baht.
Chiang Mai has declared disaster zones in 14 districts to facilitate emergency aid. Over 1.7 million Baht has been allocated for fuel and food for firefighting teams. Currently, 25,383 personnel are on duty, supported by 15 aircraft and drones.
Additionally, 700 members of the Volunteer Defense Corps from other regions (West, Northeast, and East) have arrived to assist with patrols and fire control.
