Travel to Thailand increasingly dangerous due to… air pollution

Thailand is associated with lush rainforests, turquoise seas and golden sandy beaches. However, the charm of these idyllic landscapes is disrupted by heavily polluted air. There are places in the country where not only relaxation but even leaving the house is discouraged. What should you know before traveling to this Asian paradise?

Chiang Mai at the top of an unfortunate ranking

On April 7, 2026, Chiang Mai in northern Thailand was, according to IQAir measurements, the most polluted city in the world. The Air Quality Index reached 209, and the concentration of PM2.5 particulate matter was classified as critical.

The particularly high level of air pollution is caused by numerous fires. However, they are not solely due to natural factors. The fires often result from field burning, as farmers use this method to clear land for cultivation. The situation is worsened by winds that carry smoke toward Thailand’s mountainous regions, where the air becomes trapped.

According to data from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, this spring PM2.5 levels in 9 provinces reached the red alert level, while another 28 recorded orange warnings. Authorities recommend that residents limit outdoor activities and wear protective masks.

A warning for tourists, a real problem for residents

Polluted air may discourage tourists from visiting Thailand. However, residents are in a much worse situation, as they are constantly exposed to airborne particulate matter. The effects of pollution are already clearly visible. In an interview with BBC, Chiang Mai residents reported nosebleeds in children. Polluted air can also cause eye irritation, rashes and even heart attacks.

Thai activists have been trying to change this situation for years. In 2023, 1,700 people filed a lawsuit against Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha and several government agencies. They accused them of reducing average life expectancy by five years and demanded a reduction in air pollution in the north of the country. In 2024, the court ordered the government to implement a recovery plan and improve air quality within 90 days.

Where to go to avoid polluted air

It is worth regularly checking Air Quality Index updates on the IQAir website. According to current measurements, relatively safe places to relax can be found in locations such as Rayong, Trat or Pattaya on the Gulf of Thailand. However, air quality there is not perfect, as it is classified as “moderate.”

Conditions in northern Thailand are significantly worse. This region is best avoided if you want to relax in a healthy microclimate. Particularly high Air Quality Index levels have been recorded in the towns of Wiang Nuea (on April 10 it exceeded 400, classified as hazardous) and Pai in Mae Hong Son province.

Out of the frying pan into the fire? Air pollution and tourism

Tourists escaping crowded cities seek contact with unspoiled nature, natural landscapes and a healthy climate. However, the rapid development of Asian metropolises means that upon arrival they often encounter… even worse conditions for relaxation than in their place of residence.

The authors of a study published in the journal Sustainability highlight a worrying relationship: where industry and tourism develop simultaneously, the problem of air pollution intensifies. What drives the economy also poses a threat to the well-being of both residents and tourists. Uncontrolled urban growth may also hinder the development of tourism. After all, who would want to relax in crowded cities breaking global records for air pollution?