The Ministry of Public Health has stepped up health protection measures after PM 2.5 pollution was found to exceed safety standards in 41 provinces, with 13 provinces reaching hazardous (red-level) air quality, particularly in the North.

Permanent Secretary for Public Health Somruek Jungsaman said that authorities are closely monitoring the situation and accelerating response measures to reduce health impacts.

The highest PM 2.5 levels were reported in Chiang Mai (314.3 µg/m³), Chiang Rai (225.4 µg/m³), and Lamphun (183.0 µg/m³), with some provinces experiencing hazardous air quality for up to 12 consecutive days. Pollution levels are expected to remain high in parts of the North, the Northeast, and the upper central region over the next few days.

The Ministry of Public Health has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centers in 12 high-risk provinces, alongside major measures including health monitoring, proactive care for vulnerable groups, distribution of protective masks, and strengthened public health communication.

Authorities have also conducted health screenings for over 29,000 people in high-risk areas and prepared 1.7 million surgical masks and 182,000 N95 masks to deal with the situation.

Local residents and foreign visitors are advised to avoid prolonged outdoor activities and to wear N95 masks when they have to go outside, while following official air quality updates.

The Government reaffirmed that health agencies remain on high alert to protect public health during the haze season.