CHIANG MAI April 8 (TNA) — A giant air purifier was installed at the Tha Phae gate, a major landmark in the northern province of Chinag Mai, and proved to reduce the level of fine dust considerably.
With the operated air filter, the level of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter (PM2.5) dropped from 90 micrograms to 33 micrograms per cubic meter of air.
The giant air filter was sent from Khon Kaen province. It has an electric fan that revolves at 700 rounds per minute and sucks dust into the machine where water catches it.
Khomsan Suwanna-ampa, deputy governor of Chiang Mai, said smog was alleviated as forest fires were reduced from 44 locations to a few locations. However, fire fighters must take precautions because the fires were on high mountains and in border areas where there could be landmines, he said.
Deputy government spokesman Werachon Sukondhapatipak said smoke haze was relieved in the North but remained at unhealthy levels in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces. At Chiang Mai airport, people saw the Doi Suthep mountain clearly.
The number of hotspots in nine northern provinces fell from 1,969 on April 2 to 375 on April 7, Lt Gen Werachon said. (END)
