Chiang Mai - Post Report Question and Answers

In the months of March and April, the pollution index is very unhealty. Slash and burn agriculture at the regional level and trash burning at the household level can make living in the valley of Chiang Mai feel like a trip to the airport smoking room. This year (2007) was particularly bad with PM10 readings many times the healthy limit.(See http://www.pcd.go.th/AirQuality/Regional/Default.cfm for daily readings.). Some expatriate families with the means to travel chose to escape to the beaches in the south or even Bangkok (not usually known for its fresh air). Exercising outside during this period is downright dangerous. Fortunately, the air quality is significantly better during the rest of the year. - May 2007