Chiang Mai continues to face a severe haze and toxic PM2.5 pollution crisis for the ninth consecutive day, with the entire province showing red pollution levels. This morning, there remain 168 active forest fire hotspots. The haze problem has begun to affect the atmosphere in Chiang Mai city center, significantly reducing tourist numbers. Most tourists stay indoors and in enclosed areas, avoiding going out unless necessary.
On 2 April 2026 in Chiang Mai province, the haze and forest fire crisis, along with PM2.5 air pollution, entered its ninth day. This morning, 163 forest fire hotspots were reported in Chiang Mai, with the heaviest concentrations in Mae Taeng district (26 points), Doi Tao (24 points), Samoeng (22 points), Hod (21 points), and spread across 14 other districts. Since 1 January to 1 April, a total of 5,274 fire hotspots have been recorded.
Meanwhile, in the 17 northern provinces, this morning 721 fire hotspots were found: 458 in protected forest areas, 231 in national reserved forests, and 32 outside forest zones. Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son remain critical with the highest numbers of hotspots at 163 and 161 points respectively.
Data from the Pollution Control Department's six air quality monitoring stations in Chiang Mai show PM2.5 pollution rising sharply at all locations this morning. In Mueang district, at the Chang Phueak subdistrict monitoring station, the Air Quality Index (AQI) measured 259 with PM2.5 levels at 133.7 micrograms per cubic meter. In Mae Chaem district, pollution increased from the previous day, with an AQI of 341 and PM2.5 at 215.1 micrograms per cubic meter. The highest level in the province was recorded at Muang Na subdistrict, Chiang Dao district, with an AQI of 471 and PM2.5 concentration of 345.3 micrograms per cubic meter.
This morning, according to IQAir.com’s world ranking of cities with the worst pollution at 08:00, Chiang Mai Municipality ranked second globally, in the purple zone, with an AQI of 231 US AQI and PM2.5 at 155.3 micrograms per cubic meter. The city with the highest pollution was Dakar, Senegal.
Consequently, the atmosphere this morning in Chiang Mai city center remains thickly covered by dense white smoke haze. Local residents who must carry out outdoor activities wear masks for protection and try to avoid leaving their homes or buildings unless necessary.
Regarding tourism within Chiang Mai Municipality, the main tourist area, the atmosphere this morning appeared significantly quieter, with only a few tourists strolling through the city. Most tourists prefer to engage in activities or rest inside their hotels or travel to natural attractions in surrounding districts.
However, it was observed that most tourists who do go out and walk around do not wear protective masks adequately. Some may believe that short exposure in the area will not seriously affect their health.