Rain soaks up bad air
Fears that Chiang Mai might again suffer hazardous air quality conditions this season have been unfounded, and recent early season rains have brought the PM10 levels down way below the critical level.
Thunder showers through the week in the late afternoon, and humid conditions have served to mitigate the effects of chronic burning that occurs at this point in the dry season, creating hazy conditions and filling the air with harmful particles. Climate conditions have also been more favourable than 2007 when the province was blighted with hazardous air conditions for more than a month. So far, only a eight days in March this year have produced conditions where the PM10 index is above the 120 level considered dangerous to respiration.
Over the last weekend of March the index had fallen below 80, and the mountains were again visible (a quick indicator), but in Mae Hong Son province, where the burning is out of control, the index remained well above 100.
Local tourist business have complained the bookings are down 20%, as the negative publicity of the previous year has taken its toll on tourism confidence in the Northern region. However a widely initiated campaign to educate locals and discourage burning has helped spread the word among villagers and city dweller alike.
Rain in early April is unusual, and has been a welcome respite from the high temperatures being experienced. The King has also taken a personal interest in the problem this year and has instructed rain-making exercises to be conducted, helping ease the problem.
Pollution control department readings