Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai’s air quality has significantly worsened, ranking 7th globally this morning due to ongoing forest fires that are spreading across 8 districts, with 24 active spots.
According to Thai News Agency, the situation in Chiang Mai is dire, with the sky blanketed by smoke from forest fires, severely affecting visibility. Residents, particularly motorcyclists, are experiencing sore eyes as pollution levels surpass standard limits at nearly every monitoring station. At 7:00 a.m., the Climate Change Data Center at Chiang Mai University recorded an alarming PM2.5 level of 233 micrograms per cubic meter at Ban Pang Mayo Health Promoting Hospital in Amphoe Chiang Dao. Other locations, such as the Energy Promotion Center on Chang Klan Road and Suan Dok Community in Amphoe Mueang, reported PM2.5 levels of 81 and 75 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively, posing significant health risks.
The IQ Air website highlighted Chiang Mai’s air quality as the 7th worst globally at 10:30 a.m., alongside Beijing, China, with PM2.5 levels reaching 153 micrograms per cubic meter. The fires have engulfed 8 districts, with Mae Taeng District witnessing the most activity at 9 spots, followed by Chiang Dao at 5 spots, and Fang at 3 spots. Authorities are working tirelessly to extinguish the fires, which are not only a local concern but also exacerbated by haze drifting from neighboring countries.