Disaster prevention officials in nine provinces in the North have stepped up efforts to stop farmers burning-off and improve air quality with the high pollution levels already affecting people's health.
Chayaphon Thitisak, chief of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, said on Wednesday that branch offices in the affected provinces were on full alert to combat forest fires and the smoke haze cloaking much of the North.
Officials were deployed to monitor the haze situation, follow up air quality and assess the situation, control the burning of forests, farmland and areas along highways and seek the cooperation of local residents not to burn garbage or agricultural refuse.
The Pollution Control Department reported on Wednesday that the nine provinces with PM2.5 and PM10 readings exceeding the deemed safe level of 50 microgrammes per cubic metre of air (μg/m3) and the air quality index standard of 100 were Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Song, Nan, Phrae, Phayao, and Tak, Mr Chaiyaphon said.
The affected areas covered tambon Wiang Pakkham in Mae Sai, tambon Wiang in Muang district of Chiang Rai; tambon Chang Phuek, tambon Sriphum and tambon Suthep in Muang district and tambon Chang Khoeng in Mae Chaem district of Chiang Mai; tambon Phrabat in Muang district and tambon Sob Pad, tambon Bang Dong and tambon Mae Mo in Mae Mo district of Lampang; tambon Ban Klang in Muang district of Lamphun; tambon Chong Kham in Muang district of Mae Hong Son; tambon Nai Wiang in Muang district of Nan and tambon Huay Kong in Chalerm Prakiart district of Nan; tambon Na Chak in Muang district of Phrae; tambon Tan Tom in Muang district of Phayao; and tambon Mae Pa in Muang district of Tak.
The PM2.5 level in those areas ranged from 67-167 μg/m3, while the PM10 level was 92-215 μg/m3. The AOI ranged from 143-277, said Mr Chaiyaphon.
He advised residents in the affected areas to wear a properly rated face mask or avoid outdoor activities.