CityNews – 9th January 2020, the air in Chiang Mai was found to be polluted with particulate matter (PM) levels becoming higher, affecting people’s health. At the weather station in Chang Phueak area, PM 2.5 levels were at 58 micrograms per cubic meter while at Sri Phum, it was around 59.
Public relations spokesperson of the centre for controlling wildfire and smoke in the northern region (in military unit region 3) revealed that due to the valley geography of Chiang Mai, together with wind direction bringing in smoke from nearby areas, this caused difficulty in air flow. People with health risks, particularly respiratory symptoms, should reduce their exposure to open air.
As for measures for handling the situation, the centre will set some staff to cut the grass along roadsides to reduce risk, train youth in various areas so they will have knowledge to handle the problem. Turning on fountain in the city and spraying water in various spots will be done along with introducing the recycling of agricultural wastes without burning.