Is there currently a burning season in Chiang Mai, and how is the air quality right now?

Apr 11, 2023
2 years ago
Simeon *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi folks, thinking of traveling to Chiang Mai' does anyone know if there is still burning season in process? Or are the sky's clear
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The air quality in Chiang Mai is currently poor due to the burning season, with reports indicating it as one of the most polluted cities globally. Many community members advise against traveling there until the rainy season starts, as health risks from high levels of PM2.5 are significant. Recommendations include monitoring air quality through resources like IQAir and considering the effects of pollution on health.
Elly *******
many people are being hospitalized!
Jo **********
right now it’s extremely bad with levels above 300 you can’t even see the mountains
Оливер *********
Chiang mai at the momen, is the most polluted city in the world 🌍
Andy *********
@Оливер ********
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XqcfCY
Riny ************
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Liz *******
What is the air pollution in Chiang Mai like in June?
Alistair ********
In june there will be lizards falling from the sky.
Kev ****
@Liz ******
You're good to go in June.
Tracy ******
I was in Chaing Rai last week, it’s terrible.
Rob **********
Burning season still in full swing
Simeon *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you everyone for responding I really appreciate it. Have an awesome week.
Jon **********
Songkran will mark the end of the air pollution, just 2 more days and blue skys will return but will still be hot. Even 10km out of Chiang mai city has vastly improved air.
Andy *********
@Jon *********
False.

Dream on.

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Alistair ********
"Every breath you take is an adventure" .....come along youll love it!
Paul *******
The sky is far from clear. I'd suggest staying away until the US AQI is under 100 or preferably until the rainy season has started.
Ruth *******
GIYF
Richard *********
And that is a lot better than it was
Mike ********
You’ll be fine !..
Jamie *******
Google news
Onuma **********
From Bangkok (Phra khanong) Tue, 11 April @ 15:53 Thai Time.
Colin *********
@Onuma *********
how much of what we see in the sky in that photo is cloud? How much is from a dirty Lens on whatever camera you are using? Among photographers, it's widely known that those who only take snapshots, especially with smartphones usually don't think of cleaning the Lens before taking photos. I see a lot of 'blotches' which are either clouds or are from a dirty Lens. I realise that air pollution doesn't usually look like clouds unless it's coming from a chimney
Onuma **********
@Colin ********
it from the window..
Colin *********
@Onuma *********
well, that'll explain it too. Need a window cleaner? 🤣
Onuma **********
@Colin ********
what is wrong with you????
Colin *********
@Onuma *********
just curious as to what is what...pollution, clouds, dirty Lens etc? What is wrong with asking? I'm not in Thailand, so I'm curious!
Paul *******
@Onuma *********
Bangkok Air quality is comparatively very good compared to anywhere in Northern Thailand.
Russell *******
You might damage your lungs . I would wait .
Jean-francois *******
No not clear at all , but yes , its worth a visit for sure !
Mike *******
How soon are you thinking of travelling there? For reference - I was there in Feb, when the US AQI was in the range 170-190. It was visibly annoying, and caused occasional minor irritation to me, but didn’t detract too much from having a good time. You should check one of the many available websites to monitor the pollution levels. Good luck.

PS - You can monitor the active fire zones in this NASA webpage.

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Tulip ********
And the people who say ignore it are the same people who will end up with lung diseases first and the general decline in health second. There is a huge rise in lung cancer in Thailand. Don't be a statistic.
Tulip ********
@Mike ******
PM 2.5 at those levels was dangerous. The stuff penetrates every organ of your body, including the brain. The long term damage might take a while to show up, but why risk it. Until Thailand changes, visiting between mid Nov to mid Ap is dangerous.
Mike *******
@Tulip *******
For clarity, the numbers I quoted are US AQI, not PM 2.5 (which is one of 6 elements in the composite AQI rating). Risk is relative. Where I live the AQI hovers around similar levels to northern Thailand for most of the year, so I’m happy with the relative health risks (BTW, being there in Feb this year was an aberration; I prefer Dec-Jan before the big burn).
Andy *********
Mike Innes

AQI 170 - 190 = PM2.5 of 92 to 131 = Red Zone = "Unhealthy".
Mike *******
@Andy ********
Correct, good maths.
Jan **********
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Ethel ********
Google it bro
Andy *********
STAY AWAY!

"Thailand has been choking on heavy air pollution since the start of the year, caused in part by seasonal agricultural burning.

Nearly two million people have needed hospital treatment for respiratory conditions caused by air pollution this year, according to the public health ministry.

On Friday morning, the air monitoring website IQAir ranked Chiang Mai as the most polluted major city in the world, above regular hotspots such as Delhi and Lahore.

Levels of the most dangerous PM2.5 particles -- so tiny they can enter the bloodstream -- were more than 66 times the World Health Organization's annual guideline, according to IQAir."

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/31/asia-pacific/thailand-forest-fires-pollution/

Birds dropping dead and falling from the sky.

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Tulip ********
@Andy ********
I have taken the liberty of copying your brilliant post. It literally will save some people from cancer and dying.
Johan ********
Check IQair for daily updates on the smog. At the moment it is unhealty. Rain will certainly help.
Jim *******
Today
Brandon ************
The air is going to be bad until it starts raining regularly
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