Smog intensifies in Thailand from Indonesia wildfires

Smog from Indonesia's wildfires has been intensifying in Thailand, with the province of Yala covered with thick smog with little sun penetrating the haze, as footages from Thai TV channel on Thursday showed.

The Thailand Pollution Control Department (PCD) on Thursday issued air quality readings in Yala PM2.5 level at 24 micrograms per cubic meter, and PM10 at 34 micrograms per cubic meter, Xinhua news agency reported.

The PCD also issued warnings for villagers in the region to monitor the situation on Wednesday to Friday, advising them to wear a protective mask when necessary.

The Yala Provincial Public Health Office said that it has prepared equipment and masks for residents and urged them to refrain from burning items during this period to minimize the accumulation of airborne particles.

The  CD said that the current air quality in Yala has not reached a critical level as yet; however, children, pregnant women, the elderly and patients with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases should be cautious, wear a protective masks and cover their mouths and eyes if required to prevent irritation, avoid outdoor exercise and seek medical attention if they experience any abnormal symptoms.