Chiang Mai Songkran: Water splashing, heat, and PM2.5 concerns dominate festivities

Thairath•Society•5h ago

Reader Briefing

Chiang Mai's Songkran festivities are in full swing, with locals and tourists embracing water splashing to beat the heat, despite ongoing concerns about severe PM2.5 air pollution.

•Chiang Mai is experiencing a vibrant Songkran with widespread water splashing around the moat to combat the heat and dust.
•The city is ranked 4th globally for PM2.5 pollution, with levels exceeding standards.
•Despite air quality issues, the Songkran atmosphere remains festive, attracting many tourists.
•A procession of Buddha images, including 'Phra Buddha Sihing', is scheduled to take place, drawing further participation.

Overview

•On the afternoon of April 13, Songkran festivities, also known as 'Pi Mai Muang', began in Chiang Mai.
•Tourists and locals participated in water splashing events around the city moat to cool down and reduce exposure to dust.
•The water splashing aims to relieve the oppressive heat and mitigate the effects of prolonged dust pollution experienced by Chiang Mai residents.
•PM2.5 levels in Chiang Mai reached 166 micrograms per cubic meter on the afternoon of April 13, placing it 4th globally for air pollution.
•A total of 82 hotspots were detected, with Chiang Dao district recording the highest number at 33.
•The severe air pollution is at a level that affects the health of the public.
•A procession featuring the revered 'Phra Buddha Sihing' and over 50 other Buddha images will parade through the city to allow for sacred water pouring.
•Despite concerns over PM2.5, Songkran tourism in Chiang Mai remains lively, contributing to the local economy.

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Source: Thairath (Original)

Key Entities

Place

Chiang Mai(เชียงใหม่)ℹ️

The city in Thailand where the Songkran festivities are taking place.

Stat

PM2.5ℹ️

Particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, a significant air pollutant mentioned in the article.

Organization

IQAir AirVisual

The application that provided air quality data for Chiang Mai.

Person

Phra Buddha Sihing(พระพุทธสิหิงค์)ℹ️

A revered Buddha image considered a symbol of Chiang Mai, which is being paraded during Songkran.