Thailand haze: Chiang Mai air pollution sparks worry in families

April 1, 2026 - 08:45

The picturesque city of Chiang Mai, Thailand, is currently shrouded in a thick haze, ranking it among the world's most polluted urban areas. For weeks, fires deliberately set for agricultural clearing, combined with seasonal forest blazes, have engulfed the surrounding countryside, creating a dangerous blanket of smoke over the northern region.

This persistent smog has escalated beyond an environmental issue into a pressing public health emergency, causing deep worry within local communities. Families are particularly concerned for the well-being of children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Many residents are now routinely wearing N95 masks outdoors, and there has been a reported surge in hospital visits for ailments related to poor air quality, including coughing, eye irritation, and asthma attacks.

Authorities have advised vulnerable groups to remain indoors with air purifiers running, while some schools have temporarily suspended outdoor activities. The situation underscores a recurring annual challenge for the region, where agricultural burning practices clash directly with health and tourism. As the haze lingers with no immediate end in sight, the daily lives of Chiang Mai's inhabitants are dominated by a shared anxiety over the air they breathe and the long-term health impacts on their loved ones.