The smog situation in Mae Hong Son remains critical, prompting Nok Air to suspend three daily flights for three days in a row, and tourists to give the North a miss.
Mae Hong Son yesterday detected fine particle matter smaller than 10 microns (PM10) at 437.8 milligram per cubic metre, way beyond the PM10 standard of no more than 120mg per cubic metre, while the Air Quality Index (AQI)- normally less than 100 - soared to 320.
Chiang Mai has been shrouded by smog for a week now, with the air quality station at City Hall reporting the PM10 at 268.4mg per cubic metre and AQI value of 265. The other station, at downtown Yupparaj Wittayalai School, reported 279.9mg of PM10 and an AQI value of 268.4. The air quality station at highland Phuping Palace, for the first time this year, exceeded the PM10 standard at 151.5mg and showed a beyond-standard AQI value of 114.
Chiang Mai Governor Amornpan Nimanont admitted the smog situation might be worse than in the summer of 2007.
The air pollution was so bad people were complaining of eye and respiratory irritations as well as poor visibility. The "Lanna Home Baby" nursery in Muang Chiang Mai cancelled all outdoor activities for the 50 children under its care for the past week and reported some kids developing allergy symptoms.
Lamphun Governor Direk Konkleep said the smog situation in the province was critical. Officials are getting tougher on outdoor burning, preparing to quickly put out forest fires and urging residents to wash their homes and spray water over premises to increase humidity in the air.
Chiang Rai Prachanukhro Hospital deputy director Dr Phisanu Khantipong reported that 2,500-3,000 people from 18 districts are seeking medical treatment at the hospital on a daily basis. Most were small children and senior citizens suffering from respiratory irritations.
In related news, Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department chief Anuha Mokhawet said the weather bureau had issued a warning that from yesterday and through today a moderate high pressure area would cover upper Thailand.
Therefore 28 northern and northeastern provinces could experience a tropical storm, thunder, gusty winds and hailstorms, while eight southern provinces along the Gulf of Thailand were warned of high sea waves and strong winds.
