Thai residents are facing unprecedented health problems amid a severe spike in pollution across the northeastern regions of the country. Circumstances have escalated to such a point that people have reported bleeding noses, burning eyes, and even blood clots due to the extremely unhealthy air quality.
Multiple cities in northern Thailand are immersed in a potentially lethal haze as aerospace data from the World Air Quality Index (AQI) reveals that the area repeatedly exceeds the maximum PM2.5 particle allowance. This particle category includes particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs, carrying with them a range of health risks.
Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second most populous city after Bangkok, has repeatedly topped the world’s most polluted cities list in the past few weeks. On certain days, Chiang Mai’s AQI reached alarming levels, audaciously spiking to hazardous readings over 400.
The urban haze, mainly as a result of crop burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial contributions, has persisted for months, reaching troubling peaks during the dry season from January to April. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the continually worsening air quality creates an additional layer of concern for public health, as mounting research points to correlations between air pollution and increased vulnerability to the virus.
Citizens have taken to social media to share their immeasurable suffering from the stifling smog. Images and testimonies recounting blood-streaked tissues from nosebleeds, irritated eyes, chest discomfort, and in rare, more severe cases – blood clots, have circulated online. The severity of the situation is magnified by the lack of effective measures by authorities to combat the pollution levels swiftly.
One such testament came from Chiang Mai businesswoman, Nutnicha Kulwat, who stated that she had an alarming blood clot in her nose due to the deteriorating air quality. The worsening conditions have indeed propelled local residents to take proactive steps of either temporarily relocating or investing in air purifiers and face masks for self-protection.
Health professionals have sounded the alarm over the already evident consequences of the continuous haze. Dr. Manoon Leechawengwongs, a pulmonologist at Bangkok’s Vichaiyut Hospital, urged the government for immediate action, underlining the increased risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders, pneumonia, allergies, and skin irritation due to prolonged exposure to intense air pollution.
Environmental groups have, however, accused the government of inadequately responding to the crisis. Despite enforcing a ban on crop burning, one of the major contributors to the haze, implementation flaws and lack of stringent oversight have made the directive almost effetely symbolic.
These groups also argue that governmental focus tends to concentrate more on the tourism-centric south and central areas. They suggest a robust response that includes effectively communicating the severity of the crisis to residents, imposing stricter rules on crop burning and vehicle emissions, and investing in renewable energies to lessen the dependence on pollution-stoking fuels.
While the government has opened ‘clean air houses’ offering respite to citizens through filtered air, critics argue that this approach is far from a long-term solution. The crisis ultimately demands considerable, sustainable action reducing contributors to air pollution.
This environmental and public health crisis has elevated concern among the international community. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified air pollution as a leading environmental risk factor for global disease, proving this particular crisis transcends Thailand’s borders.
Air pollution in Thailand is a complex issue. The mix of agricultural burning, industrial activities, and vehicular emissions create a challenging and multifaceted problem that requires comprehensive solutions rather than the short-term remediation. As residents continue their plight against the deadly smog, the world waits to see how the Thai government will respond to this growing crisis.
Original Source: https://phys.org/news/2026-04-blood-clots-eyes-pollution-north.html
