Karen Community Fights for Clean Air in Northern Thailand
MAE CHAM/OMKOI, Thailand — Amid heavy rain in the northern Thai village of Nong Krating, Sawattiphon Wongkasettakon described the growing problem of air pollution sweeping through the mountains each year.
“It didn’t used to be so bad, but in the last three years it’s become impossible to ignore,”
Sawattiphon, a former deputy village chief, told Mongabay from the porch of his home in August. He added,
“The sky gets dark, it’s uncomfortable when we breathe. It blows in from the maize farms.”
Causes of Pollution
The area lies at the intersection of northern Thailand, Myanmar’s Shan state, and Laos, where farmers grow maize to support Thailand’s expanding animal feed industry. Before planting season each year, farmers burn crop stubble to clear their fields.
- These controlled fires produce heavy smoke and pollution.
- The pollution peaks between February and April during the burning season.
- This causes towns and cities in the region to rank among the world's most polluted places during those months.
Impact on Local Communities
The annual burning worsens air quality, causing darkened skies and discomfort in breathing for residents like Sawattiphon. The problem has intensified noticeably over the past three years, affecting health and daily life.
Farmers and the Environment
While maize farming supports the local economy, the traditional practice of field burning contributes significantly to air pollution, highlighting the tension between livelihood and environmental health.
“It didn’t used to be so bad, but in the last three years it’s become impossible to ignore.”
Author’s summary: The Karen community in northern Thailand faces increasing health risks as seasonal maize farm burning dramatically worsens air pollution, impacting both people and the environment.
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