Thailand is a country known for its surplus export of exotic fruits and rice, yet this economic development puts pressure on Thailand’s farmers to export these labor intensive products. In order to keep up with product demands, Thai farmers often engage in unsustainable practices such as field burning to clear their fields making it easier to prepare for their next harvest.

Some research done in Thailand revealed that in 2020 Thailand alone has burned about 600,000 hectares of agricultural fields which contributes to the recent spike of air quality degradation. The action of field burning alone contributes to 37% of air pollution in Thailand, the average air quality index in Thailand during field burning seasons can increase by about 300% to an average of 50 to over 160 (Chiang Mai air quality Facebook page) from January to March. At this level, it is hazardous to health and increases hospitalization, deaths and schools closure. Field burning also increases soil erosion, kills soil microorganisms that are crucial to the crop’s health that leads to increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

From national statistic in 2023 an increases of more than 1.32 million people in Thailand requires hospitalization related to air pollution during January to March 2023. A pollution watch room was recently set up by authorities last year to monitor this recurring problem.  Released report shows maps of live fires across Thailand, mainly in rural areas. Where there are fires, red cluster dots appear symbolizing how the air quality there is harmful and detrimental to citizens' health. Yet in some rural areas, people still don’t have access to the masks and air purifiers necessary to combat this AQI problem.

In the capital, warning messages are sent out through text messages and on social media advising the public to work from home, while signs in parks warn against outdoor exercise. This has negative social media impact on tourism worldwide. In government run schools in Bangkok there are flag posts outside and a color-coordinated system to remind the children of the air quality and procedures for them to act accordingly to the situation. The root of our problems, however, remains unsolved as farmers in rural areas still stick to traditional methods.