Haze and smoke problems with adverse socio-economic and health impacts have become
emerging new “disaster” issues over the last few years, especially in Northern Thailand. The
unprecedented smoke haze that blanketed all areas in the northern highland region of
Thailand is a recent problem that the local people have to face every year. Moreover, the
smoke haze situation directly affects the air quality in many areas, including Chiang Mai,
Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Lampang, Lampun, Phrae, Nan and Phayao.