Smoked out in Chiang mai

Thick smog stemming from local forest fires and other conflagrations in Malaysia and Indonesia has severely hit Chiang Mai and Lampang, causing breathing problems for the residents.

Authorities have called on residents to always wear a mask and to not start bonfires in forested areas. The smog is also affecting Chiang Rai, Tak and Phetchabun provinces.

No injuries or hospital treatment sought by local residents has been reported since the smog began covering the northern provinces over the weekend. The region had undergone a similar problem in early February.

Meteorological officials said rainfall anticipated over the next few days in the North was expected to reduce the smog and wash out sedimentary particles and dust.

Krittika Pomphuek, a technician with Regional Environment Office 2 in Lampang, said so-called "hot spots" captured from aerial photographs had been detected throughout the region. Such forest fires usually occur during the hot season when farmers and land encroachers burn down trees.

Deep in dust

She said the highest amount of dust particles smaller than 10 microns detected in Chiang Mai was 206.2 micrograms per cubic metres and 153.5 micrograms/m3 in Lampang.

The safety standard is 120 micrograms/m3.

Chiang Mai University lecturer in the Medicine Faculty,  Phongthep Wiwatthanadej has called for special care to be provided for the elderly and young children, saying that they could have severe respiratory problems.

Symptoms reported among those exposed to smog include breathing difficulty, sore throats, eye irritation, and rash.

The doctor said residents should immediately seek treatment when they start wheezing.

Xtra

dusty details

Thailand's safety standard for dust particles (smaller than 10 microns): 120 micrograms per cubic metre or 50 micrograms/m3 under the European standard

Highest amount detected:

Lampang: 153.5 micrograms/m3

Chiang Mai: 206.2 micrograms/m3

Daily Xpress