SONGKHLA, 12 August 2012 (INN) – The air over Songkhla province is still heavily smoke-filled. The thick smoke, which has increased from previous days, is a result of forest fires on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. The island today sees 239 more fires, compared to 88 spots yesterday.

Additionally, there is smoke from forest fires in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phattalung provinces. This had led to particularly thick smoke.

Mr. Wanchai Sak-udomcahi, director of the southeastern center of the Thai Meteorological Department, stated that the weather at present is not fluctuating. The air is still and dry, and there are no winds, which traps the smoke in the lower southern region. Winds are needed to blow the smoke out to sea; rainfall would also be beneficial. Citizens are asked to refrain from burning things in the open, to reduce the amount of dust and particles in the air. Reports state that the weather conditions in the lower southern region are not hazardous to health.

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