Haze continues to blanket Northern Thailand

BANGKOK, February 19 (TNA) - The number of patients suffering from respiratory problems in Northern Thailand is on the rise due to worsening haze. Thick smog has made visibility in the northernmost province of Chiang Rai drop, especially in Mae Sai district bordering the country of Myanmar where dust particles have been measured at 155.5 microgrammes per cubic metre, exceeding standards set at 120 microgrammes per cubic metre. As thick smog continues to cover Chiang Rai for more than a week now, the number of people suffering from the respiratory crux in Chiang Rai has risen to more than 2,000 daily. Of the total, people suffering from the respiratory problem in Mae Sai district alone has increased to nearly 1,000 a day. Most of the sufferers are young and aged persons. Doctors have advised them to stay indoors in the morning and evening, and to wear face masks if travelling outdoors. In the northern capital of Chiang Mai, the overall situation early on Sunday improved slightly from a day earlier while concerned officials are planning on soaking the air with water to reduce dust particles if the situation worsens. Heavy smoke from bushfires has covered the provincial seat while officials began to spray water on roads and trees to reduce dust particles. At about 7.00 a.m. Sunday, dust particles were measured at 116 microgrammes per cubic metre, slightly lower than the critical level. Chiang Mai governor M.L. Panadda Diskul, meanwhile, said his officials are closely working with authorities in the upper North to solve the problem. Panadda said it is still too early to declare the state of emergency in his province. However, if the situation deteriorates he may request C-130 transport planes from the Royal Thai Air Force to spray water in the air to cushion the problem. (TNA)