In recognition of Air Quality Awareness Week, The United States is donating supplies to assist firefighters and volunteers in Chiang Mai province battling blazes that have contributed to hazardous air quality in northern Thailand.
On May 8, the U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai donated equipment and materials supplied by the Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group Thailand (JUSMAGTHAI) to national park and fire station personnel in Chiang Mai. The contribution includes chainsaws, firefighting gear, and other equipment with a total value of approximately 9,000 USD (291,000 baht) to meet immediate and future needs. Consul General Sean K. O’Neill presented the equipment to Governor of Chiang Mai Charoenrit Sanguansat.
This is America’s latest contribution to help its Thai allies fight fires in northern Thailand and the air pollution they cause. In 2019, the U.S. government also donated approximately 15,000 USD (485,000 baht) to firefighters and volunteers in Chiang Mai to help fight last year’s fires in northern Thailand. The fires threaten lives, agricultural land, natural forests, and wildlife, as well as causing air pollution throughout the region.
“The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai is proud to support the efforts of our Thai friends and colleagues as they fight fires throughout northern Thailand,” said Consul General Sean O’Neill.
“These brave men and women put their lives on the line to reduce the impact these fires have on the air quality and health of those who live in northern Thailand. We are grateful for their work.”
“I would like to thank the U.S. government for the firefighting equipment donated today. The donation demonstrates over 200 years of friendship between the U.S. and Thailand and thank you for being a great friend to northern Thailand for the past 70 years. This equipment will help protect our firefighters and volunteers as they work to improve the air quality for the people of Chiang Mai. Thank you,” said Governor of Chiang Mai Charoenrit Sanguansat.
Information regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index for Chiang Mai is calculated based on air pollution data captured by monitors owned and maintained by the Royal Thai government. It is shared through the U.S. Embassy website: https://th.usembassy.gov/air-qualityindex-aqi/
For more information on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Awareness Week, please visit: https://www.airnow.gov/aqaw/
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