‘This week, no one’ as pollution deters tourists

Smoky sunset: A visitor standing at a viewing point amid air pollution thick enough to reduce the sun’s brightness at a temple in Chiang Mai. — AFP

HAZARDOUS pollution levels in northern Thailand have left the historic city of Chiang Mai choking under thick smog, with locals worried about the impact on tourism – and their health.

Smoke from forest fires and farmers burning crop stubble has shrouded the city, with global air monitoring platform IQAir ranking it among the most polluted places in the world.