The Chiang Mai provincial administration is monitoring PM2.5 levels closely and is expected to issue advice to provincial units and educational institutions on Sunday to let their staff work from home if the situation does not improve today, according Tosapon Puanudom, the deputy governor.

The city of Chiang Mai was shrouded in such a dense haze from forest fires yesterday that high-rise buildings could hardly be seen from a distance.

One tourist from Pathum Thani said he felt an irritation in his throat during his visit to Doi Suthep mountain, adding that, had he known about the air pollution, he would not have visited the city.

One teacher said in her Facebook post that several young students in her class suffered nose bleeds, even though out-door activities had been cancelled, they wore face masks all the time and all the windows were kept closed.

Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, public health permanent secretary, said that emergency centres have been opened in 39 provinces to provide medical care to people developing symptoms caused by PM2.5 airborne pollution.

Over 41,800 people have received treatment for airborne pollution-related illnesses, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, skin irritations and eye infections, since November 22^nd and about 8,000 were treated in emergency wards.