Toxic air grips Northern Thailand as wildfires surge, health alert issued

KATHMANDU: Air pollution in northern parts of Thailand remained at hazardous levels on Monday, prompting health warnings and stricter action against illegal burning as wildfire incidents continue to rise.

According to the Pollution Control Department, PM2.5 concentrations in the northern and northeastern regions have significantly exceeded safety standards.

Chiang Mai Province recorded the highest level at 292.6 micrograms per cubic meter, posing serious health risks to residents.

Government spokesperson Lalida Pherisvivatan said the spike in air pollutants is driven by both domestic agricultural burning and transboundary haze from neighboring countries.

She warned that ongoing dry weather conditions are likely to trigger more wildfires in the coming days.

Satellite data released on Sunday by Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency identified 4,327 active hotspots across the country, with over 90 percent concentrated in forest areas.

In response, authorities have ordered immediate detection and suppression of fires. Aircraft and drones have been deployed to improve access to remote and high-risk zones.

Officials are also intensifying community-based campaigns to curb open burning practices, while continuous public alerts are being issued through mobile broadcast systems.

At the international level, Thailand is coordinating with neighboring countries through the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation and the “Hotline Clear Sky” channel to reduce hotspots and mitigate cross-border haze impacts.