Congrats Chiang Mai, you’re no longer top of the world’s most polluted city list.
But the simple fact that dropping down to fifth place is considered an improvement for Chiang Mai is very telling of the severity of Thailand’s pollution problems.
So much so, in fact, that yesterday the Chiang Mai Governor Supachai Iamsuwan announced the designation of “safety zones” in every district, that will act as a place of refuge where citizens can escape the hazardous air pollution.
The first center has already opened on the ground floor of Chiang Mai ‘s International Exhibition and Convention Centre in the Northern city’s Mueang district reported Channel 8 News.
In the center, there is air conditioning with a built-in air purification system as well as three other air purifiers, tables, chairs and plenty of food and drinks.
According to local media, the center can hold up to 800-1,000 people.
Governor Supachai, who had previously received much criticism for his handling of Chiang Mai’s air pollution crisis, also ordered Public Health Volunteers and local officials to visit affected neighborhoods in order to distribute face masks and educate locals about health measures they should be taking, reported Workpoint.
So far about 570,000 masks had been distributed and the government is obtaining over 800,000 more.
Updates about the situation are also constantly provided on the radio and in news broadcast while water is being sprayed hourly or more (as needed) in hopes of breaking up the fine dust particles.
Furthermore, the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation will reportedly also produce artificial rain in the most polluted areas in several Northern destinations including Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai.
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