The Air Pollution Control Office (APCO) warns that PM2.5 dust levels in Li District, Lamphun Province; Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province; and Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province remain at critical levels and require close monitoring. The levels continue to rise, and if burning activities inside and outside the country remain widespread, the situation may continue to be critical.
29 Mar 2026 GMT+7 A reporter reports that The Pollution Control Department issued Announcement No. 3/2026 from the Air Pollution Communication Center (APCO) titled 'Warning of Continued High Dust Particle Levels,' stating that
/ the dust particle situation today especially in the upper Northern region, remains at critical levels with many areas marked in red. Areas under close watch include Li District in Lamphun, Chiang Dao District in Chiang Mai, and Mae Sai District in Chiang Rai, where dust particle levels are continuously rising. In the Northeastern region, many areas remain above standard levels (orange), especially provinces bordering neighboring countries.
According to hotspot data from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Public Organization) on 27 Mar 2026, Thailand has 2,302 hotspots, including 1,849 in forest areas. Neighboring countries report hotspots as follows: Myanmar 8,804, Laos 4,189, Cambodia 566, and Vietnam 522. The wind pattern in the upper North is westerly/southwesterly, blowing into the country, while the Northeast experiences southerly winds moving northward, causing cross-border effects in border provinces. In the past 24 hours, Thailand had very little rainfall, and a dry spell is expected in the upper North over the next 5-7 days. If burning continues heavily both domestically and abroad, the crisis is likely to persist.
The Air Pollution Communication Center thus issues this warning for relevant agencies to implement wildfire prevention and control measures. The public is urged to refrain from open burning in all areas. Residents in affected zones should avoid outdoor activities or use protective equipment. Those experiencing health symptoms should consult a doctor immediately. The public can monitor the situation via the Air4Thai website and app, the Facebook page 'Air Pollution Communication Center,' and all Pollution Control Department communication channels 24/7.
Announcement dated 28 Mar 2026 GMT+7
Chaiyut Saenghaisuk, Head of the Air Pollution Communication Center