BANGKOK: As Bangkok is reeling from the aggravating air pollution, Thailand's second largest city of Chiang Mai saw the level of (particulate matter) PM2.5 skyrocketed to 208 micrograms per cubic meter on Friday (Jan 24). Authorities blamed the density of fine dusts in Thailand's northern city of Chiang Mai in Chiang Mai Province from illegal burning of agricultural produce. The Chiang Mai Municipal Office said on Thursday that open burning were reported at 29 locations in many districts, surrounding the Chiang Mai city. The Office said toxic particulate matter rose to the critical level at 208 mcg since Thursday morning. Meanwhile Chiang Mai police have arrested four villagers for defying the burning ban, a measure pushed out by the Thai government.

Source: The Star January 24, 2020 08:59 UTC