IQAir ranks Chiang Mai as the worst air polluted city in the entire world

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Unfortunately this is far from the first time Chiang Mai has been noted for severe air pollution problems, but to the best of my knowledge this is the first time it is being called the worst in the world.
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Chiang Mai tops global air pollution ranking as haze worsens and wildfire spreads in Mae Taeng

by THE NATION

March 30. 2026

On March 30, 2026, IQAir ranked Chiang Mai as the world’s worst for air quality at 10.00am, with an AQI of 233. Officials issued health alerts as wildfire spread in Mae Taeng.

Chiang Mai’s air quality crisis remains severe. On March 30, 2026, IQAir’s real-time rankings at 10.00am placed Chiang Mai, Thailand, at No. 1 in the world, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 233, described as a level with serious health impacts affecting all groups.

A reporter said that upon arriving at Chiang Mai International Airport, a cell broadcast alert appeared on their phone warning that PM2.5 levels in Chiang Mai province remained harmful to health and were expected to stay poor for the next two to three days. The message urged people to wear dust masks, avoid outdoor activities, and seek medical attention if they develop unusual symptoms.

Despite being in the city centre, the sky was reported to be blanketed by haze. Stepping outside the airport, the smell of burning was noticeable immediately.

A security guard at the airport said the air quality has been unhealthy for more than a week. He said that in the first one or two days he experienced irritation and, at times, blood-streaked nasal discharge, and that throat irritation has persisted. Because he works outdoors, he said he has had to wear a dust mask daily, but the combination of mask-wearing and hot weather has made working conditions difficult.

He added that this year’s air pollution has been worse than in previous years, and said many visitors and residents leaving the airport immediately pull up their collars to cover their mouths and noses. He appealed for faster action from the government and relevant agencies so people can return to breathing clean air.

Meanwhile, the Facebook page “naleehome”, a well-known destination in Mae Taeng district famed for its winter sea-of-mist viewpoint, posted images showing the area threatened by a wildfire. The post described the scene shifting from misty views to an orange-red glow at night as flames drew close to the accommodation area. The owner said they could only keep watch to prevent the fire spreading to the buildings, as night-time conditions were especially dangerous.

Initial response efforts involved community fire teams and officials from the local subdistrict administrative organisation, who worked to contain the blaze and build firebreaks to stop it spreading.

A key challenge, the post added, was strong night-time winds, which caused previously extinguished hotspots to flare up again, making the fire harder to control and forcing residents to stay on alert throughout the night.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40064449

[Jun]

Unfortunately this is far from the first time Chiang Mai has been noted for severe air pollution problems, but to the best of my knowledge this is the first time it is being called the worst in the world.

I think that's at a point in time, rather than being any sustained average. I recall much higher levels in India in recent months.

Here's a Wayback machine capture for 26 Jan. Showing Kuwait with a score of 605. Compared with 182 in Chiang Mai as I write this.

You need to wait for it to load.
https://web.archive.org/web/20260114180 ... ir-quality

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Chiang Mai set for disaster declaration after 4 days of soaring PM2.5

by THE NATION

March 31, 2026

Chiang Mai is preparing to tighten controls on toxic PM2.5 pollution.

Siwakorn Buapong, Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai Province, said PM2.5 levels in Mueang Na subdistrict, Chiang Dao District, have risen above 125 micrograms per cubic metre for four consecutive days.

The province is set to consider declaring the area a disaster-stricken zone tomorrow, while mobile medical units will be deployed on April 1, 2026.

Siwakorn Buapong, Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai Province, spoke about the crisis caused by fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the area on March 30, saying the province is considering declaring a disaster-stricken area and an area eligible for emergency disaster assistance, focusing on the hardest-hit locations at the subdistrict and village levels.

Criteria for declaring a toxic haze disaster area

Under Ministry of Finance regulations, the province can declare a disaster area when the following conditions are met:

* PM2.5 levels must exceed 125 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³).
* The concentration must remain at that level for five consecutive days.

Current situation: Mueang Na subdistrict in Chiang Dao District has already recorded critical pollution levels for four consecutive days.

If the situation does not improve tomorrow (March 31, 2026), it will immediately meet the threshold for a disaster declaration.

Areas under watch and relief measures

Although Chiang Dao District is at a critical level, the deputy governor stressed that the situation in Mueang Chiang Mai District has not yet met the criteria.

Any declaration will focus only on clearly affected areas rather than the whole province, to ensure precision in budget management and relief efforts.

Three urgent measures to protect the public:

1. Cell Broadcast alerts: Messages will be sent immediately to residents in “red” areas, advising them to avoid outdoor activities and wear face masks.
2. Support for vulnerable groups: The provincial public health office and village health volunteers have been instructed to distribute face masks and speed up the establishment of “Dust-Free Rooms” in communities.
3. Mobile medical units: On April 1, 2026, the province will mobilise mobile medical teams to treat respiratory illnesses and provide advice to people in high-risk areas.

How to protect yourself from PM2.5 today

For Chiang Mai residents in areas where the Air Quality Index (AQI) is in the red zone, the advice is as follows:

* Wear an N95 mask when going outdoors.
* Keep doors and windows tightly closed, and use an air purifier if available.
* Watch for unusual symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness or eye irritation. If symptoms do not improve, seek medical attention or contact local village health volunteers.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40064464