Answered3 years ago
What should expats consider when moving to Chiang Mai due to the smoke season and air quality issues?
Thanks for admitting me to your group. I'm recently retired living in KL and with the MM2H mess currently, looking at Thailand. Chiang Mai is a possibility, and I'm visiting Hua Hin soon. Looking at options.
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the pros and cons of moving to Chiang Mai, Thailand, particularly in relation to the air quality issues during the agricultural burning season, notably from November to April. Participants mention their plans to relocate, share experiences regarding smoke season, and suggest Hua Hin as an alternative. They discuss the implications of air quality on health, provide insights from locals, and express their concerns for expats considering Chiang Mai.
39 repliesnewest first
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Ken ******
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/06/a-doctor-who-died-of-lung-cancer-awakens-people-to-fight-pm2-5/
Chris ***********
OP@Ken *****
very sad. Such a young and talented man passed awayKen ******
@Chris **********
yes, he is kind hearted and wish to do something good for society and peopleKen ******
about air quality, can download some app to check real time, below some info about why it needs attention,
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558 thai statSteve *******
Agricultural burning starts as early as November and December once the rainy season ends and continues through April. By February, locals are beginning to feel the full effects of the Chiang Mai burning season. March brings more of the same until rains usually start around the end of March or the beginning of April. = Potentially 6 months a year... Jan 7, 2024
Jo **********
@Steve ******
nothing to do with agriculture these are forest fires on massive scale that start mid-february. I know because I live in the middle of these fires. My close neighbor is the district fire chief and he explains it to me well. the air quality here is fine until mid February. get your facts straightSteve *******
@Jo *********
tell google - not me -Steve *******
@Jo *********
good toknow because i just googled it and cut and pasted the info - never been there during smoke season.Chris ***********
OP@Jo *********
where it comes from is academic? It is an annual severe potential health hazard? Fact?Chris ***********
OP@Jo *********
thanks for the informationJo **********
@Chris **********
ok I suffer but manage with 3 air filters. Last year was the worst in over a decade. March is the worst. April can be bad if the rains come late. avoid March 1 to April 15. 2022 was not a problemChris ***********
OP@Jo *********
I’m referring to the residents and visitors to Chiang Mai. And anyone else who suffers from it.Jo **********
@Chris **********
not for the team who goes into the jungle for 10 hrs a day. Mainly it’s bad only for 2 months. I am a farmer so it’s not academic.Chris ***********
OPSo ideally 3 months out? Another reason Im looking at Hua Hin.
Steve *******
@Chris **********
i have been to chaing Mai - its nice and very green - my preference would be Hua Hin and travel from there - spend a month a year in the mountains. New train up to BKK - can get to the A/P fairly easy - then fly to Chaing Mai.Chris ***********
OP@Steve ******
apt. 40 years in MalaysiaSteve *******
@Chris **********
i want to move there - I think - would like to pick your brain. Are you in a house or apt. Would prefer a House/pool to do laps in, not cool down.Chris ***********
OP@Steve ******
sounds good. I would be half the year in KL. Have a place there
Terary **********
I hear good things about Chiang Mai, except burn season. Before you decide to move there get familiar with that season. I think a lot of people stay in Chiang Mai year around except during that time.
Michael *******
Phayao. ! Beautiful! Cheap as chips!
Mika ********
@Michael ******
that lake area is so nice in the evenings
Neal *******
@Michael ******
Some farang only want to settle near large farang populated areas. We drive through Phayao on our way to Chiang Rai.
Richard ********
What is the "MM2H mess"?
Chris ***********
OPMalaysia my Second Home retirement scheme. WIP. No clear cut rules yet. The old one currently in use requires approx THB 350,000 coming in a MONTH. And they wonder why no customers. Very stoopid. Under review. Google for more info.
Chris ***********
OPI see the Sultan of Johor has just been made king. He has a vested interest in MM2H. He has an empty ghost city built by the Chinese facing Singapore.
Andy ********
@Chris **********
what is WIP, lolz roflChris ***********
OP@Andy *******
work in progressRichard ********
@Chris **********
Thanks, I knew what MM2H is, I was questioning the "mess." 🙂Chris ***********
OP@Chris ****
you are far from alone
Chris *****
@Chris **********
Agree 100%. We were considering MM2H too but decided on Thailand instead. Will be making the move to Pattaya soon.Chris ***********
OP@Richard *******
The mess is the lack of clarity and the ambiguity in their "revised" plan.
Rich ****
Chiang Mai is a very good option except for the March/April smoke season.
Chris ***********
OPYes the air quality for 2 months each year is an issue. Great place to settle though. Apartments are generally small though. And pricey compared to house rental. House purchase is legally problematic in Thailand.
Johnny ******
Hi Chris, me & my wife are planning to move to Chiang Mai in Sep2024. Hope to meet u there.. lolz
Ruth *******
@Johnny *****
I'm seriously considering Chiang Mai as well, if my knee ever recovers :-(. I'm currently in Bangkok. I didn't go to Chiang Mai due to the air quality, ROFL. Well, that will teach me.Ken ******
@Ruth ******
but bangkok and chiangmai airquality recent days seems reverse situation, bangkok smog seems more frequent and seriousRuth *******
@Ken *****
what part of “ I didn't go to Chiang Mai due to the air quality, ROFL. Well, that will teach me.” did you not understand?But, in reality, Chiang Mai hasn’t hit its peak of burn season anyway. That’s not the point. I already noted that Bangkok was worse in my initial comment.
Paulo ****
@Johnny *****
best place to chiong 😂 Lai LaiActivity
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