BANGKOK, April 1 (TNA) — The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation advises people in eight northern provinces to stay indoors as fine dust breached a safe level.
Chayapol Thitisak, director-general of the department, said the levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrograms or less in diameter (PM2.5) ranged between 59 and 296 micrograms per cubic meter of air in the past 24 hours. The safe threshold is at 50mcg per cubic meter of air.
Unhealthy levels of PM2.5 were reported in Wiang sub-district in the provincial seat and Wiang Phang Kham sub-district of Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai province; Chang Phueak, Sriphum and Suthep sub-districts of Muang district and Chang Kerng sub-district of Mae Chaem district in Chiang Mai province; Phra Bat sub-district of Muang district and Sob Pat, Ban Dong and Mae Mo sub-districts of Mae Mo district in Lampang province; Ban Klang sub-district of Muang district in Lamphun province; Jong Kham sub-district of Muang district in Mae Hong Son province; Nai Wiang sub-district of Muang district and Huai Kone sub-district of Chalerm Prakiat district in Nan province; Na Chak sub-district of Muang district in Phrae province; and Ban Tom sub-district of Muang district in Phayao province.
Mr Chayapol said officials were trying their best to prevent and put out forest fires and field burning.
Local residents should wear face masks before going out and motorists should take special precautions due to very low visibility on roads, he said. (TNA)
