An unfiltered look at Chiang Mai Airport. Photo: Thai PBS
While in most months Chiang Mai draws many visitors seeking escape from Bangkok’s blight, its air is now so bad that airplanes can’t land at its airport.
At least 16,000 people have been sickened by the foul air – euphemistically referred to as “haze” – with serious heart, respiratory, eye and skin conditions, NNT reported.
Air quality officials say the toxicity of the air has reached a record high.
The smog is part of an annual ritual. Every year in March, hundreds of fires are set by farmers to clear land and forest. Every year the north of Thailand is choked with smog, and every year pledges are renewed to put an end to the practice.
Meanwhile everyone in the area is advised to remain indoors and breathe as little as possible.
Photo: NNT
Photo: NNT
