BANGKOK 1 April 2026 (The Capital Post) – Authorities in Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Mai are preparing to declare parts of the region a disaster zone following several days of extremely high levels of fine particulate pollution known as PM2.5.
Provincial officials reported that the concentration of PM2.5 in the Mueang Na subdistrict of Chiang Dao District has exceeded 125 micrograms per cubic metre for four consecutive days, raising serious health concerns for residents. The situation has prompted local authorities to evaluate whether emergency disaster status should be implemented in the affected areas.
Deputy Governor Siwakorn Buapong said the provincial administration is closely monitoring the crisis, noting that a formal disaster declaration could be issued if pollution levels remain dangerously high. The measure would allow authorities to provide emergency assistance and deploy additional resources to communities experiencing the worst conditions.
Under Thailand’s regulations, an area can be officially designated as a haze-related disaster zone if PM2.5 levels exceed 125 micrograms per cubic metre for at least five consecutive days. Officials said the affected district is approaching that threshold after recording four days of critical pollution levels.
While the air quality crisis is most severe in Chiang Dao District, authorities emphasised that any declaration would likely target only the most heavily impacted localities rather than the entire province. This approach is intended to ensure that emergency resources and financial assistance are directed specifically to communities facing the greatest risks.
-Advertisement-
To protect public health, the provincial administration has introduced several immediate response measures. Emergency alerts will be sent to residents living in areas where air quality has reached hazardous levels, advising them to limit outdoor activities and wear protective masks. Health officials and community volunteers have also been tasked with distributing face masks and expanding the number of “dust-free rooms” that residents can use as safe spaces from polluted air.
In addition, mobile medical units are scheduled to begin operating in affected areas to provide treatment for respiratory problems and offer medical advice to vulnerable residents, including the elderly and children.
Residents in high-pollution zones have been advised to take precautions such as wearing N95 masks outdoors, keeping doors and windows closed, and seeking medical attention if symptoms like persistent coughing, chest discomfort or eye irritation develop.-The Capital Post