Chiang Mai: The smog still covers Chiang Mai Province densely, with the hourly PM 2.5 dust level at almost 500 micrograms per cubic meter, ranking 6th among the world's most polluted cities, after more than 2,000 hotspots from burning were found throughout the North.
According to Thai News Agency, the sky over Chiang Mai city throughout the morning was still murky due to thick smog and toxic dust, making it difficult to see Doi Suthep, the symbol of the city. Chiang Mai residents who spend their days outdoors or ride motorcycles on the streets have to face the effects of toxic dust, including stinging eyes, noses and itchy skin.
Hourly PM 2.5 dust values from the Climate Change Data Center, Chiang Mai University, found that the highest dust values were at 10:00 this morning, the highest at Ban Pang Mayo Subdistrict Health Promotion Hospital, Chiang Dao District, as high as 496 micrograms per cubic meter, which is more than 10 times higher than the standard. In Chiang Mai city, the dust values are still higher than the standard and are at a level that affects health.
By the IQAir website, which ranks air quality in major cities around the world, in Thailand, only Chiang Mai and Bangkok are measured. As of 10:00 this morning, Chiang Mai was ranked 6th among the most polluted cities in the world.
The main cause is still forest fires, after more than 2,200 hotspots from burning were found in 17 northern provinces, with more than 400 hotspots in Mae Hong Son. As a result, many northern provinces are continuously facing smog and PM 2.5 dust. The highest hourly dust level was recorded at 10:00 a.m. in Khun Yuam Subdistrict, Khun Yao District, Mae Hong Son Province, at 514 micrograms per cubic meter.