Haze hits Chiang Mai again

CHIANG MAI, April 17 (TNA) - Officials said the number of tourists visiting the northern capital of Chiang Mai during the Songkran festival has declined due to a haze problem and smoke from burning of maize field after the harvest. Smog due to forest fires in some areas has covered the sky of Chiang Mai, causing a poor visibility on Super Highway Road and motorists had to drive carefully as they could see between 200 – 300 metres only. Dust particles was recorded at 148 micrograms per cubic metre in the heart of the city, exceeding the safety standard level at 120. Pornchai Jittanawasathien, president of Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association, said the burning of maize field in surrounding areas had affected the provincial seat and forced many tourists to travel other cities during Songkran festival. He said tourism revenue during the festival was less than one billion baht while the number of visitors fell about 10 per cent. (TNA)