Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Rai had the highest number of hotspots on Friday, with 206, while PM2.5 levels in 40 provinces, mostly in northern and north-eastern provinces, exceed Thailand’s 50-micron safety level today (Saturday).
Yesterday, the Suomi NPP satellite of the Geo-Informatics Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) detected 6,999 hotspots in Myanmar, 2,618 in Laos, 1,096 in Thailand, 133 in Cambodia, 98 in Vietnam and 45 in Malaysia.
In Thailand, the three provinces with the highest number of hotspots are Chiang Rai (206), Chiang Mai (205) and Nan (95). 497 hotspots were detected in protected forests, 387 in national forest reserves 118 on farmland, 56 in land under the land reform program, 38 in communities and 3 along highways.
Residents living in the 40 provinces with excessive levels of PM2.5 have been advised to wear face masks while they are outside and to avoid outdoor activities. Although air quality in Bangkok is moderate, PM2.5 levels in some districts, such as Bangkok Yai, Bang Khae, Phasi Chaoren, Bang Bon, Thung Khru and Bang Khun Thian, are excessive.
