SEAToday.com, Chiang Mai-Thailand has an air pollution crisis and it affects tourism. Bookings for hotels and lodging in Chiang Mai have plunged. Tourism Chief La-iad Bungsrithon disclosed that reservations for April 2024 were just 30 percent of the same period last year, despite expecting occupancy to bounce back to 70 percent during the Songkran Festival.

The air quality is getting worse because there are 272 spots of illegal agricultural burning in the region, marking it as the highest number in a year. The particulate-matter 2.5 air pollution has transformed the once-bustling tourist hotspot into a city with one of the worst air quality in the world.

Adding on, many people reported having irritation in their noses, throats, and eyes when they were outside due to the smoke. Constant exposure to this pollution may also lead to another high-risk disease, even cancer.

Furthermore, air pollution is not just an issue in Chiang Mai. The northern region of Thailand is also struggling with the same crisis. The air pollution problem has caused the hotel occupancy rate to plummet to 50 percent from the expected rate of 50 percent.