Haze in Thai North slightly eases

LAMPANG, THAILAND, March 9 (TNA) - The haze situation in Lampang Province in the Thai North has slightly improved due to strict control of all kinds of outdoor burning and rapid moves to contain wildfires. Lampang Governor Suwat Promsuwan told journalists of the update on Thursday, saying that the level of small dust particles in his province had dropped to 69-136 micrograms per cubic meter on average, with the highest level latest recorded in Mae Moh District. According to the governor, the level of dust particles fell to 111 micrograms per cubic meter in the provincial seat, after it had exceeded the safe standard level of 120 micrograms per cublic meter over the past week. Meanwhile, a helicopter of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment flew over Doi Phrabat on a mission to pour down water in an attempt to put out forest fires but the operation failed by a strong wind, prompting local officials to deploy more personnel to over 200, including local forest officials, soldiers and volunteers, to contain the wildfires in the coming days. (TNA)