CHIANG RAI, March 15 (TNA) – Several provinces in the
North and Northeast of Thailand face toxic smog from agricultural and forest
fires as residents are told to avoid outdoor activities.
Thick smog blanketed Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district Friday
morning when PM2.5 rose to 203 micrograms per cubic meter, inducing poor
visibility. Authorities sprayed water into the air in their urgent effort to
lower toxic pollution.
Local officials said Thailand planned to consult with
Myanmar about the problem via Thai-Myanmar Township Border Committee, a local
mechanism for cooperation. They said most of Thai residents had been affected
by haze originated in Myanmar.
In Payao, the severe pollution has forced Payao University
to suspend its classes for two days after PM2.5 level surged to over 130
micrograms.
The University issued a warning for students, staff and
lecturers to avoid exposure to air pollution, refrain from outdoor activities
and wearing masks.
Farm waste burning have also caused PM2.5 problem in the
Northeast. Exacerbated by a weather
pattern, the harmful particle matter level has risen over safety limit in Khon
Kaen. Such condition would prevail for
a few days before a summer storm is predicted on Sunday, reports a local
weather office.
In Loei, concerns over health impacts from of PM2.5 have led
local authorities to speedy conduct public relations and enforcement of law.
Local residents have been urged to protect themselves from respiratory
infections, while raising public awareness on long-term impacts.
Agricultural fires have also been identified as a major
cause for air pollution in the province. (TNA)
