Each year, between late February and April, Chiang Mai, a city known for its stunning temples, vibrant festivals, and lush landscapes, faces a stark challenge: The Burning Season. During this period, the city and its surrounding provinces are enveloped in a thick layer of smog caused by agricultural burning, a practice tied to seasonal crop cycles. This environmental issue affects air quality, public health, and the region’s tourism industry, creating significant challenges for residents and visitors alike. What is the Burning Season? The Burning Season, or “smoky season,” occurs annually as farmers across northern Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos burn agricultural waste, such as corn stalks and rice stubble, to prepare fields for the next planting … Continue reading →