The haze problem in Thailand’s northern and north-eastern provinces, caused by wild fires, is increasing, forcing Bangkok Airways, a domestic airline, to suspend flights on the Suvarnabhumi-Lampang-Mae Hong Son route between March 15 and April 20.
The Air Pollution Control Department has reported, through its Line Alert platform, that the level of PM2.5 dust in 15 north-eastern provinces today exceeds the safe level of 37.5µg/m³.
The levels in Nong Khai, Loei, Udon Thani, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Bua Lamphu, Sakhon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Roi-et, Maha Sarakham, Amnat Charoen, Chaiyaphum and Ubon Ratchathani have been measured at 20.8µg/m³ to 70.2µg/m³ over the past 24 hours.
Meanwhile, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported 3,876 hot spots (fires) in Myanmar, 788 in Thailand and Laos and 653 in Cambodia today, worsening the haze problem in northern and north-eastern regions.
Government spokesman Jirayu Huangsap, in his capacity as an advisor to the National Public Disasters Prevention and Mitigation Command, said Bangkok Airways has announced the suspension of flights on the Son route due to the anticipation of decreasing visibility.
