BANGKOK, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Smog from Indonesia's wildfires has been intensifying in Thailand's south, 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 Thai Southern Region Pollution Control Department (PCD) on Thursday issued air quality readings in Yala Province at (particulate mater) PM2.5 level at 24 micrograms per cubic meter, and PM10 at 34 micrograms per cubic meter.
The overall air quality is still considered very good, but with more airborne particles than previous days, the Southern Region PCD said.
The department also issued warnings for villagers in the southern region to monitor the situation on 18-20 September 2019 closely, advising them to wear a protective mask when necessary.
The Yala Provincial Public Health Office said 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 Southern Region PCD said 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 should they experience abnormal symptoms.
