The Pollution Control Department has urged local authorities to intensify efforts to help those living in haze-afflicted areas as air pollution hit a new high in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai early yesterday.
As the pollution problem worsens, healthcare workers are advising people on how to deal with air pollution to reduce health impacts.
Mae Sai district recorded a level of 410 microgrammes per cubic metre (u/cg) of harmful air particles in the early morning amid the worst haze conditions experienced in weeks.
The situation improved later in the morning to 304 u/cg after fire trucks were sent to spray water into the air to keep the smog from spreading. The safety limit for particles is 120 u/cg.
The department also urged local authorities to closely monitor the smog caused by forest fires and urged locals not to burn agricultural material, as this would further aggravate the situation.
Meanwhile, a high pressure system over northeastern Thailand is expected to cause a drop in temperatures by 5-7 degree Celsius, the Meteorological Department said.
The moderate high pressure system from China was set to meet hot weather, resulting in a likely drop in temperatures.
The high pressure system which had descended on provinces in the region would also bring rain and thunderstorms with it, the department said.
Amnuay Kajeena, director of the Department of Disease Control, yesterday urged people to be vigilant about preparing for weather changes.
He said vulnerable people including infants, the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases should be cautious about heading outdoors.