PM orders for immediate solving of haze problem

BANGKOK, March 1 (TNA) -- Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said that measures in solving the haze problem had been put on the table during yesterday's weekly Cabinet meeting, where the meeting had agreed that for Thailand to solve such problem, cooperation must also be provided from neighbouring countries. The premier said close coordination has been carried out with neighbouring countries on the issue, particularly on reducing hot spots, noting that forest fires are still found in various provinces in the Thai north and northeast as local villagers continued to use the old method to destroy weeds by burning them. Gen Prayuth said to efficiently solve the problem, an understanding must be created among the people that burning wastes and weeds is not the correct method. Meanwhile, Chiang Mai is on extra alert against forest fires, after 155 hot spots have already been found there, especially in the three districts, which must be carefully monitored. The Northern Royal Rainmaking Operations Centre has reported that it would be carrying out artificial rainmaking operations at the end of the week to help relieve haze problem. Somkid Panyadee, the director of the Environment section of the Provincial Office for Natural Resources and the Environment of Chiang Mai, on the other hand, said that the province has now entered into the period of 60 days of no burning. However, in February, 155 hot spots have already been detected, mostly in Mae Jam, Hod, and Om Koi districts. Moreover, Mr Somkid said forest fires from Mae Hong Sorn province must also be monitored to ensure that it would not spread from there into the province, as both areas are connected through the provincial line. The air quality in Chiang Mai is moderate at the moment, said Mr Somkid, adding that the level of PM10 currently stands at 70 microgram per cubic meter.