King concerned with pollution

The air quality in northern Thailand is once again a concern this year, and the king himself has voiced concern over air that is reaching pollution levels dangerous enough to drive people away from certain areas. King Bhumibol has requested that updates about the air quality in the northern provinces be sent to the Royal residence on a daily basis.

To help those living under the adverse conditions, the Public Health Ministry has sent 200,000 facemasks to affected areas, that will help to protect people from PM10 particles, dust particles that come with the haze. Pollution Control Department chief Supat Wangwongwatana told the Bangkok Post, "We have found that the number of hot spots in Indochina was getting high on March 22 with 952, and gradually dropped to 575 and only 271 on March 24. Moreover, we have made strong and effective efforts to clear and control hot spots, which helps improve the situation."