Haze, drought continue hitting North, Northeastern provinces

BANGKOK, March 5 (TNA) - Several provinces in Thailand’s northern and northeastern regions have continued to suffer from haze pollution and drought, which is expected to deteriorate during the upcoming summer. Haze problem in the northernmost province of Chiang Rai remained at the critical level Monday and affected people’s health as dust particles stood at 221.4 microgrammes per cubic metre while in Mae Sai district bordering Myanmar dust particles were measured at 327 microgrammes per cubic metre, highest in the North for seventh consecutive days. The safety standard for dust particles is at 120 microgrammes per cubic metre. Officials had to spray water on streets in an attempt to lower the haze pollution but the situation did not improve much. Slash and burn by farmers in Myanmar near the border in Tak province continued causing thick haze crux. Many people, especially children, are suffering from respiratory problem. Another problem which is continuing to affect people living in the North and Northeastern regions is the drought. Schools in remote areas in Phitsanulok province have enforced a strict regulation by ordering pupils to consume water as little as possible. Local Administration Organisation officials have to transport water once a week to ease the problem while l authorities have declared six districts in the province disaster zone while they are preparing to announce two more others in the near future. Water is also shortage in Muang district in the northeastern province of Buri Ram. Officials have to transport water more than 20 times daily for people consumption while Waterworks authorities have forecast that water shortage situation would become worsen this April and May. (TNA)