State agencies were thus told to seriously implement the northern region’s 60-day outdoor burning ban while members of the public were to alert authorities of forest fires via the 191 hotline.

From February 8-16, Lamphun reported 47 hotspots and its reading of small particle matter of up to 10 microns in diameter (PM10) was at 124 micrograms per cubic metre yesterday, which was slightly above the safety level of 120 and could affect local people’s health. Governor Narong Onsa-art had officials implement measures including having water trucks spraying three times a day and having a 25-strong team at each village ready to tackle fire and smog. The province and its allies also built extensive firebreaks, while telling farmers to bury or turn agricultural waste into fertiliser, animal food or fuel for power plants.

Meanwhile, Chiang Mai‘s PM10 level was in the safe level – being 93-96 micrograms and there were only six hot spots – thanks to serious implementation of the outdoor burning ban, said Phasit Seuksanapapat of the provincial natural resources and environment office. He said almost 100 percent of forest fires are caused by outdoor burning by villagers and officials must urgently make people understand this.

The ban which started since February 16 in Chiang Mai would punish those caught burning outdoors with fines up to Bt5,000.