Northern villages honoured for efforts in combating pollution

The air pollution in Thailand's North has been worsening since 2006.

"One of the main reasons is that locals are burning dry leaves or garbage, which often spreads into a larger portion of forestland," PCD director-general Supat Wangwongwattana said yesterday.

He said such burning caused smog, which was detrimental to public health and the tourism sector.

"Smog can affect visibility, making it impossible for aircraft to land at local airports," Supat said. "When there's a smog problem, many tourists will not visit the North out of concern for their health."

He said such a scenario was bad for the tourism sector, which used to generate much income for the region.

In a bid to reduce air pollution in the North, the PCD has introduced various activities involving villagers.

"We even have a network of volunteers to watch out for any burning in an open area," Supat said. "The volunteers are trained to prevent the burning from spreading."

The PCD has decided to honour 11 northern villages for their efficient efforts to reduce the incidence of burning in their areas.

The honoured villages are Khor Klang in Chiang Mai's Mae On district, Ban Koh in Chiang Rai's Wiang Pa Pao district, Ban Huai San in Mae Hong Son's Khun Yuam district, Ban Sam Kha in Lampang's Mae Tha district, Ban Pan Pong Chai in Lampang's Chae Hom district, Ban Ta Pa Pao in Lamphun's Mae Tha district, Ban Wo in Phayao's Muang district, Ban Pancherng in Phrae's Muang district, Ban Wang Khong in Nan's Muang district, Ban Sorden Pattana in Nan's Chiang Klang district, and Ban Kwao in Sukhothai's Khiri Mat district.