Wildfire haze from Sumatra obstructs sea traffic in Southern Thailand

SONGKHLA, 2 July 2012 (NNT) – Smoke plumes caused by seasonal wildfires burning across Sumatra Island are now covering several southern provinces of Thailand, including Songkhla, Satun, Yala and Narathiwat.

The thick haze shrouding parts of Thailand’s southern region has caused poor visibility, leading to disruption to sea traffic in Songkhla province. Fishermen in the province are advised to dock or to keep their boats ashore for the next few days.

The Songkhla Fishery Association, however, confirmed that the disruption has not affected the amount of seafood supplied to local markets and processing plants.

According to satellite images, 107 forest fire hotspots are recorded on Indonesia’s Sumatra Island today, decreasing from 202 previously. The southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region is expected to continue carrying more haze and dust particles into the Lower South of Thailand.

Reports suggest that the air quality in the affected areas is still at the acceptable level while the pollution so far has not impacted the health of local residents.