• The haze situation in Northern Thailand has eased significantly as a result of an integrated approach to clear the lingering haze and smog. These include artificial rainmaking operations and the deployment of military aircraft on water-spraying operations to increase humidity in the air. These efforts have been successful; rainfall in many areas have helped to clear the air. Following the ban imposed on the intentional use of fires for field burning or the burning of debris in open fields, fewer such incidents are occurring.
  
  
• As a result of the cooperation of various agencies and organizations, the situation is steadily improving. The situation has returned to normal in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Lampang.
  
  
• On Monday, 26 March 2007, The Operations Center responsible for tackling the haze situation in Northern Thailand will meet to consider ending the 'disaster zone' status declared in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son.
  
  
• CHIANG MAI
  In Chiang Mai, the concentration of dust particles smaller than 10 microns suspended in the air has dropped from 91 micrograms per cubic metre to 64.
  The air quality index has improved from 82 to 65.
  
  
• LAMPANG
  In Lampang, the concentration of dust particles smaller than 10 microns suspended in the air has dropped from 62 micrograms per cubic metre to 55.
  The air quality index has improved from 63 to 60.
  
  
• CHIANG RAI
  Although the air quality monitoring devices installed in Chiang Rai were not operational on 22 March, heavy rainfall has cleared the air. Skies are clear, with sunshine, and the air quality has improved dramatically.
  
  
• MAE HONG SON
  The situation is returning to normal. The concentration of dust particles smaller than 10 microns suspended in the air has dropped from 284 micrograms per cubic metre to 166. The air quality index has improved from 171 to 120. Resources from various relevant agencies and organizations are being mobilized in an urgent effort to clear the air as soon as possible, including the continued deployment of military aircraft on water-spraying operations to increase humidity in the air. All operations will continue until the situation has returned to normal.

International Public Relations Division, TAT
March 23, 2007