The Pollution Control Board’s dust particle per micron test registered a huge 243.00 for Chiang Mai on the 6th March 2007. Experts claim results are considerably high due to excessive trash burning, slash and burn techniques and forest fires in the Chiang Mai province.

Local news reports that this has already been enough to see a rise in the number of local residents and foreigners visiting hospital with respiratory issues and throat irritations.

Chiang Mai authorities have issued warnings to the public, especially those most vulnerable (children, elderly and those with breathing difficulties), to avoid spending too much time outside.

Since Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountains, smoke and pollution builds up and becomes trapped. Rain and strong winds are needed to alleviate the worst of it. The dry season, which runs from late November to April, usually sees the worst air quality. Unfortunately it has been worse as records show dust particles per micron test results reaching 405.00 on the 9th March 1999, 501.00 on the 12th May 1999 and 248.8 on the 19th March 2006.

The Head of Cleaning Air Project for Chiang Mai and Lamphun, Social Research Institute, at Chiang Mai University’s, Dr. Duangchan Apawatcharut Charoenmuang has been reported saying air quality in Chiang Mai has been below standard since the beginning of the year. She put the blame on garbage burning, forest clearing and exhaust from an increasing number of vehicles in the city.