Karen Community Fighting Corn and Coal for Clean Air in Northern Thailand
MAE CHAM/OMKOI, Thailand — In the northern Thai village of Nong Krating, rain poured as Sawattiphon Wongkasettakon spoke about the worsening air pollution that invades the mountains annually.
“It didn’t used to be so bad, but in the last three years it’s become impossible to ignore,” said Sawattiphon, a former deputy chief of the village, on his porch in August. “The sky gets dark, it’s uncomfortable when we breathe. It blows in from the maize farms.”
The region, which overlaps northern Thailand, Myanmar’s Shan state, and Laos, heavily relies on maize farming to supply Thailand’s growing animal feed industry. Before planting season, farmers set controlled fires to clear leftover crop stubble from previous harvests.
This practice leads to a surge in air pollution, causing towns and cities across the region to rank among the world’s most polluted places every February through April, coinciding with the peak burning period.
Environmental and Health Impacts
- Air quality deteriorates dramatically each year during the burning season.
- Residents experience darkened skies and difficult breathing conditions.
- The pollution is linked directly to the maize field burning tradition.
Community Response
The local Karen community is actively combatting these environmental challenges, seeking cleaner air and sustainable agricultural practices to protect health and the environment.
“The smoke makes it hard for us to live comfortably; we need solutions that protect both our livelihoods and the air we breathe,” community members have expressed in various gatherings.
The burning cycle remains a significant barrier to air quality improvements, but ongoing efforts aim to balance agricultural needs with environmental protection.
Summary
The Karen community in northern Thailand faces severe air pollution from traditional maize field burning, sparking actions to improve air quality while maintaining farming livelihoods.
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