CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – A brief return of clear views of Doi Suthep contrasted with worsening smog and wildfire conditions as new hotspots and extreme PM2.5 readings were reported.
Doi Suthep “back”: social media celebrates clearer view
On 9 April 2026, photos of Doi Suthep were widely shared again on social networks, as the mountain became clearly visible from many vantage points.
Many residents saw the reappearance of the mountain as a sign of temporarily improved air quality, after it had at times “disappeared” in haze for about two to three weeks.
Morning haze returns: visibility deteriorates again
On the morning of 10 April, smoke and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) thickened again, according to the report, making Doi Suthep appear paler.
The view from the Huai Yuak Reservoir in Tambon Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, was cited as an example: although the mountain is only a few hundred metres away, it was barely visible.
172 hotspots in 17 districts as fire situation escalates
The Center for the Prevention and Solution of Forest Fire, Smog and PM2.5 Problems in Chiang Mai Province reported a total of 172 hotspots in 17 districts for 10 April 2026, based on morning data from GISTDA.
Most hotspots were recorded in Chiang Dao (45) and Mae Chaem (31), followed by Hot (12), and Phrao, Mae Taeng and Chom Thong with 11 each.
High cumulative burden: 7,554 hotspots since early March
The report also listed a cumulative total of 7,554 hotspots between 1 March and 9 April 2026.
This figure underlined that the current smog and fire period did not depend on isolated days but had built up over several weeks.
PM2.5 in Chiang Mai: network shows widespread exceedances
According to an air quality assessment as of 10 April 2026, 08:00, by the Climate Change Data Center of Chiang Mai University, 107 measuring points from all 25 districts in the province were evaluated.
PM2.5 levels at 104 stations exceeded the Thai limit of 37.5 µg/m³, and 87 stations even reported values above 100 µg/m³.
Extreme reading in Chiang Dao: up to 400 µg/m³ measured
The highest reported value came from a station at “St Ban Thung Khao Phuang” in Tambon Thung Khao Phuang, Chiang Dao District.
There, a PM2.5 concentration of up to 400 µg/m³ was recorded, highlighting the severity of potential health risks in certain areas.
International comparison: Chiang Mai among world’s worst cities
For the period between 07:00 and 08:00, the report also cited data from iqair.com, according to which Chiang Mai ranked second worldwide among cities with very poor air quality.
The platform listed a US AQI of 177 for the city and a PM2.5 concentration of 92 µg/m³ for Chiang Mai during that time frame.