Chiang Mai’s Air Pollution Meter Reaches ‘Disastrous’ Levels, Highest Record in Thailand

Thailand’s a favourite destination of Singaporeans to go to for holidays.

And who can blame them?

There, you have cheap (and nice) food…

…cheap shopping…

…and beautiful places to visit.

So if you’re thinking of paying a visit to Thailand, you’re not the only one.

But Now Isn’t The Right Time

Bangkok is facing a very serious issue that Singapore faced on a yearly basis: smog. Or haze as we call it.

And this year’s especially bad.

Back in Jan 2019, it was reported that the smog in Bangkok is filled with metal toxins.

Partly due to vehicles emission (now, aren’t you glad we have the COE?) and the burning of dead bodies as well.

And these particles are able to get through your body’s defences and create havoc within your body system.

So we’re wondering, if Bangkok is out, how about other parts of Thailand. Like maybe…Chiang Mai?

Highest-Recorded Ever Level in Thailand

On Saturday, 30 March 2019, the level of smog in Chiang Mai and most of Thailand’s northern provinces have reached and surpassed the ‘disastrous’ level.

The PM2.5 readings in several areas of Chiang Mai have reached beyond 700 µg/m³.

A PM2.5 reading of 100 is considered harmful for healthy people.

Residents were told to stay inside air-conditioned buildings and to avoid going out.

Government Asked To Step In.

Witsanu Attavanich, a lecturer at Kasetsart University, said that a PM2.5 reading beyond 500 is too much for local authorities to cope with.

He had requested the central government to intervene and declare a state of emergency.

The Chiang Mai Provincial Government had created ‘safe zones’ in Chiang Mai city centre, but they did not implement any other emergency procedure.

Unlike Bangkok where schools were temporarily stopped back in January when the PM2.5 readings ranged from 70 to 120.

An Annual Season

The residents in Chiang Mai are no strangers to air pollution.

Every year in the February-March period, the air quality in Chiang Mai is often below-recommended standards.

It was revealed that forested areas are set on fire to clear space for new crops.

And the crops grown aren’t rice or vegetables for the locals; it’s corn, which is exported to the rest of the world.

So if you’re thinking of taking a trip to Thailand this year, it might be a good idea to postpone it till next year. Or maybe later this year.

But visit you must, because no one can resist Thailand.