Thailand's Air Quality

Since arriving in Thailand, I’ve traveled to various communities and have grown to love the people and the simplicity of life here. However, a consistent shadow over my daily experience is the problematic nature of the environment. While Thailand is undeniably beautiful, the constant need to monitor water, air, and land quality detracts from that beauty. The air quality, in particular, becomes unbearable between March and June; yet, despite the thick haze and dire health consequences, the burning continues every year.

Agricultural burning seems to be a way of life that has become deeply entrenched in the local culture. Although this issue is complex and may take years to resolve, a handful of communities are taking matters into their own hands. Several villages are now collaborating to clean up their air and water, though they still face resistance from neighbors who prefer the traditional method of clearing land with fire.

“With long-term exposure, the number of deaths rises every year,” said Dr. Chaicharn Pothirat, a lecturer at Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Medicine. “When the amount of PM2.5 dust particles soars in the air, so does the risk of lung cancer, stroke, lung inflammation, and heart disease.”

This smog crisis has persisted for over a decade, yet authorities have consistently failed to address the root causes. “Not a single government has issued policies to effectively deal with the problem,” Dr. Pothirat added. He is not the only medical professional concerned; many other doctors are questioning why the authorities refuse to take the health impacts of PM2.5 seriously.