North still popular despite smog

BANGKOK, 3 April 2013: North Thailand will continue to be the  most popular region for tourism during 12 to 17 April Songkran festival, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand, but beach resorts are catching up and they can guarantee clean air.

TCT president, Piyaman Tejapaibul, said northern destinations remain the top choice for Thais planning to travel despite the smog crisis.

“Chiang Mai continues to be the most popular destination followed by Chon Buri in the East and Krabi in the South,” the president said.

The government extended holiday to cover five days, 12 to 16 April, to encourage Thais to travel but most of them will opt for domestic travel with only 7% travelling overseas.

Northern destinations have always been popular during the annual festival, but there have been a drift to beach resorts over the last few years due to the poor quality air conditions in the north.

Despite, official denials and claims that they are spraying water to reduce the haze, most northern destinations are suffering from poor visibility and there are serious health risks for children and the elderly.

Deputy Prime Minister, Chalerm Yoobamrung, confirmed that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had assigned him to closely monitor the situation.

“I ordered northern governors to work together to cope with the problem and report to me within seven days. The governors must strictly enforce the law and I am asking for cooperation to stop burning forests.”

Up to 2 April, the dust particle levels remained at critical in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Nan and Mae Hong Son according to Pollution Control Department report.

Sourced: ttrweekly