The dust crisis continues to escalate. Recently, Chiang Mai declared disaster zones due tothe situationof forest fires in Samoeng and Hod districts, while also announcing emergency disaster assistance zones in six other districts.
On 31 March 2026, reporters stated that Chiang Mai province continues to endure dust pollution for the fifth consecutive day. Recently, Mr. Siwakhon Buapong, Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai acting for the Governor, issued a declaration of disaster zones in Samoeng district.
It stated that on 27 March 2026 at 17:00, Samoeng district reported forest fires affecting villages 1 to 11 in Samoeng Tai subdistrict, villages 1 to 10 in Mae Sap subdistrict, villages 1 to 6 in Samoeng Nuea subdistrict, and villages 1 to 8 in Yang Muern subdistrict, all within Samoeng district, Chiang Mai province.
These fires have impacted the public and caused danger to people's lives and health, as well as damage to personal and state property, constituting a disaster under the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2007. The situation remains ongoing.
Therefore, to effectively manage the disaster according to the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan, the provincial director has declared the area a disaster zone to enable government agencies, local administrative organizations, and relevant private sectors to act within their authority under the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act.The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act,the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan,the provincial disaster prevention and mitigation plans,and other relevant laws, regulations, orders, announcements, and Cabinet resolutions will be implemented promptly.
Additionally, an official disaster zone has been declared in Hod district. This includes villages 1 to 13 in Hang Dong subdistrict, villages 1 to 10 in Ban Tan subdistrict, villages 1 to 10 in Na Ko Ruea subdistrict, villages 1 to 5 in Hod subdistrict,villages 1 to 13 in Bo Luang subdistrict, and villages 1 to 10 in Bo Sali subdistrict, all within Hod district, Chiang Mai province..
Moreover, emergency disaster assistance zones have been declared in six districts: Hod, Samoeng, Chiang Dao, Mae Wang, Mae Taeng, and Doi Saket. Government agencies, local administrative organizations, and relevant sectors are tasked with quickly surveying damages and providing urgent assistance to those affected, while closely monitoring the situation until it improves.
Following these declarations, contingency budget funds for prevention or emergency disaster response can be immediately utilized, such as expenses for food for firefighting personnel, equipment repairs, and mobilizing integrated firefighting forces from the Department of National Parks, the Royal Forest Department, and the military. This will enable rapid deployment to critical areas. Strict law enforcement will also be applied to control forest areas and prosecute those responsible for setting fires.
However, reporters noted that this afternoon, PM 2.5 dust levels in Chiang Mai remain many times above safe standards in the city and nearby districts, with hourly concentrations exceeding 200 micrograms per cubic meter. The entire city is shrouded in thick smoke and dust, prompting residents to wear masks to protect themselves from toxic particles.
Meanwhile, the province urges residents to avoid outdoor activities, wear masks to protect against dust, and seek medical attention immediately if health symptoms occur. Health units, local hospitals, and village health volunteers in each district are conducting door-to-door visits to distribute masks and advise the public on health care, especially vulnerable groups. Public campaigns also promote the use of “dust-free rooms” and increase the frequency of water spraying in community areas.
