Mae Hong Son: Haze in the northern province has exceeded the safe limit for the first time this year, forcing authorities to issue a health warning and cancel flights yesterday.
Haze detection at the Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office in central Muang district found the PM10 (particulate matter less than 10 microns) reached 166 microgrammes per cubic metre Sunday afternoon, compared to the safe limit of 120 microgrammes.
The health office said the situation has adverse impacts on the health of residents exposed to the haze.
Last Friday, Natural Resources and Environment Gen Surasak Kanjanarat predicted the haze situation would less of a problem this year.
The haze on Sunday reduced visibility at Mae Hong Son's main airport to 2,000 metres, forcing Bangkok Airways to cancel two 66-seater aircraft fights into the province from neighbouring Chiang Mai.
However, flights using smaller aircraft were operating as normal.
Provincial governor Permsak Chaweerak has instructed district chiefs and local leaders to warn residents not to burn garbage or dry grass for farm clearing.
The warning complies with an order signed by 3rd Region Army chief Wichak Siribansop to ease the haze problem. The order introduces penalties against people who allow unauthorised burning activity.