Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai is experiencing severe air quality issues as heavy PM 2.5 dust from forest fires engulfs the region. Residents report visibility is hindered by the thick smog, prompting officials to deploy helicopters to combat the fires.
According to Thai News Agency, forest fires in the northern areas have intensified, leading to hazardous levels of PM 2.5 dust. The Royal Thai Army has dispatched an MI 17 helicopter to extinguish fires in the Tin Tok forest area, Hot District. The helicopter executed three flights, deploying a total of 10,500 liters of water sourced from the Wang Lung Mai reservoir. Concurrently, a KA32 helicopter from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation targeted fires in Ban Huai Pa Lao and surrounding areas, using 6,000 liters of water over two flights. These efforts have successfully controlled the fires in both regions.
Chiang Mai continues to be shrouded in a dense smog, with residents suffering from eye and nasal irritation. The Climate Change Data Center at Chiang Mai University reported alarming PM 2.5 levels, with Ban Mae Pang in Phrao District reaching 491 micrograms per cubic meter. Other affected areas include Ban Pang Mayo Health Promoting Hospital in Chiang Dao at 485 micrograms and the Night Bazaar area at 130 micrograms. The IQ Air website has ranked Chiang Mai as having the second worst air quality globally this morning.