CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – After days of hazardous air pollution and ongoing forest fires, Thailand declared three northern provinces disaster zones to unlock immediate relief funds.
Disaster status for three northern provinces
The provinces of Chiang Mai, Lamphun and Phayao in northern Thailand were designated emergency disaster areas after several days of health-threatening air quality. The measure was intended to enable rapid response actions and compensation for damage to life and property.
With the declarations, provincial governors were allowed to deploy emergency resources to address forest fires, smog and fine dust pollution. Authorities focused on using disaster mechanisms to manage both the immediate fire situation and worsening air quality.
Interior Ministry outlines situation in 17 northern provinces
Unsit Sampuntharat, deputy permanent secretary at the Thai Interior Ministry, announced the decision on Saturday and reported on the status of ongoing measures. His update covered efforts to tackle forest fires, haze and fine particulate pollution in a total of 17 northern provinces.
Officials described a broad regional effort aimed at containing fires and reducing smoke levels. The disaster designation was framed as a tool to coordinate responses across multiple provinces facing similar conditions.
Chiang Mai again tops global smog ranking
Chiang Mai was listed on Saturday as the most polluted city in the world for the fifth consecutive day, according to iQAir, a Swiss air quality monitoring provider. A real-time reading at 3 p.m. showed an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 206, classified as “very unhealthy”.
The figures highlighted the severity of the smog episode affecting residents and visitors. Authorities pointed to persistent forest fires as a major factor behind the prolonged poor air quality.
PM2.5 levels far above Thai safety threshold
According to iQAir, PM2.5 concentrations in Chiang Mai reached 131 micrograms per cubic metre, slightly lower than earlier in the day but still at a very high level. By comparison, the report cited 37.5 micrograms per cubic metre as the safe threshold in Thailand.
The measured value therefore remained far above the national limit. Officials warned that such levels posed serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions.
Chiang Mai: emergency zones across multiple districts
In Chiang Mai, emergency disaster zones were declared due to forest fires in the districts of Hot, Samoeng, Doi Saket, Chiang Dao, Mae Wang, Mae Taeng and Mae Rim. The declaration covered 40 Tambons, 338 villages and 27 communities.
Local authorities were tasked with using emergency powers to contain fires and support affected residents. Measures included mobilising firefighting teams and coordinating local administrations within the designated areas.
Lamphun: PM2.5 disaster zone in Li district
In Lamphun province, an emergency disaster zone was declared specifically due to PM2.5 pollution in Li district. The status applied to eight Tambons and 99 villages.
Officials there focused on the health impact of fine dust rather than active fires. The disaster designation allowed the district to access targeted funds and implement protective measures for local communities.
Phayao: combined forest fire and fine dust disaster zones
In Phayao province, emergency disaster zones were declared for both forest fires and PM2.5 pollution across several districts, including Muang Phayao, Chun, Chiang Kham and Chiang Muan. Additional affected districts were Dok Khamtai, Pong, Mae Chai, Phu Sang and Phu Kamyao.
The combination of fire and dust hazards required coordinated responses across multiple local administrations. Authorities aimed to address both active burning and lingering fine particulate matter.
What the disaster declaration enables in practice
According to Unsit, the disaster status allowed governors to manage and disburse emergency funds under Finance Ministry regulations for disaster relief.
“The disaster status allows governors to manage emergency funds under Finance Ministry regulations for disaster relief.”
said Unsit Sampuntharat, deputy permanent secretary at the Interior Ministry.
He added that additional budgets could be used to coordinate measures and ensure uniform compensation for damage to life and property. The aim was to streamline support for affected residents across all designated areas.