Farmers practice slash and burn agriculture in the belief that ashes will replenish the soil


CHIANG RAI – The Department of Pollution Control on Tuesday announced that the amount of particulate matter was last measured at 115 micrograms/cubic meter in Mueang Chiang Rai.

In Mae Sai district on the Thai-Myanmar borders, the level of particulate matter was 152 micrograms/cubic meter which was higher than safe levels, said the department.

The Chiang Rai Provincial Government has placed a ban on all types of burning is imposed for 60 days, or from 17 February -16 April. Manpower and equipment have been prepared to handle the smog.

The Government has also imposed measures to prevent and control forest fires due to wildfire smoke from the neighboring Myanmar.

In Mae Hong Son, a Big Cleaning Day activity will take place from 16 -31 March. The provincial disaster prevention and mitigation are working with local administrative organization in spraying water mist into the air to increase humidity.

The amount of particulate matter in Mae Hong Son on Tuesday was 134 micrograms/cubic meter.

Chiang Rai to Impost Ban on all Types of Burning for 60 days | Chiang Rai Times English Language Newspaper