Smog Leaves N. Thailand Looking Like ‘Blade Runner 2049’

Mai Sai Chiang Rai Thailand is covered by PM2.5 smog from burning fields
Mai Sai, Chiang Rai, Thailand is covered by PM2.5 smog from burning fields.

Chiang Rai looks like a scene out of “Blade Runner 2049” with yellow-orange smog clouding skies Mai Sai from PM 2.5-polluted smoke.

At the Tha Khi Lek checkpoint in the Tha Khi Lek Subdistrict there was a significant accumulation of particulate matter, resulting in a yellow to orange-tinted skyline with no sunlight visible. Distant buildings were obscurbed from sight.

The website Air4Thai reported air quality measurements in the Wiang Pang Kham Subdistrict with PM 2.5 at 551 micrograms per cubic meter, which is considered to have an adverse health impact.

Additionally, PM 10 particulate matter, which is less than 10 microns in size, was also found at 654 micrograms per cubic meter, which also poses a health risk.

Mai Sai, Chiang Rai, Thailand is covered by PM2.5 smog from burning fields.
Mai Sai, Chiang Rai, Thailand is covered by PM2.5 smog from burning fields.

The Ministry of Public Health reported that this week, there is a trend of PM 2.5 particulate matter accumulation in the northern and northeastern regions, especially in provinces bordering neighboring countries, due to stagnant winds and both domestic and cross-border burning. As of March, 25,209 hotspots were detected, leading to a high level of PM 2.5 particulate matter accumulation that poses a significant health risk.

Aside from the various symptoms such as eye irritation, redness, itching, skin irritation, coughing, and chest tightness, the particulate matter levels can cause severe symptoms for individuals with heart and respiratory problems. Exposure to such levels for an extended period can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular disease.