Haze relieved in most northern Thai areas

BANGKOK, March 15 (TNA) - Thailand's Pollution Control Department reported Thursday that air quality has been improving in the Thai North, amid relieving haze in most areas in the region, except in Mae Hong Son province, where dust particles have increased. Over the past 24 hours, dust particles smaller than 10 microns (PM10) were measured at 30.2-94.6 micrograms per cubic metre at all air measuring stations in the Thai North, representing moderate to good air quality. Meanwhile, dust particles were measured at 27.8 micrograms per cubic metre at Phu Ping Ratchaniwet Palace in Chiang Mai province Thursday. As the palace is situated on a hill, above the inversion layer, the dust particle level was slightly lower than other areas of the Thai North. The Pollution Control Department has called on relevant agencies to strictly carry on measures against outdoor burnings to prevent any return of thick smog in the northern Thai region throughout the ongoing drought season. (TNA)