Gross!

From an email from the U.S. Embassy that I got on the 16th.
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Warden Message

March 15, 2007

This message alerts American citizens living in or visiting northern Thailand to the need to take appropriate health-related precautions due to the unhealthful air quality northern Thailand is currently experiencing. Air quality experts report that excessive trash burning, brush clearing, forest fires and other factors have resulted in severe air contamination in the areas surrounding Chiang Mai. According to the Pollution Control Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, air pollution levels in Chiang Mai have exceeded the maximum acceptable level since the beginning of March. On March 14, the level of particulate matter in the air exceeded the “emergency” level. Measurements at or near the “emergency” level are expected for at least the next several days.



Health professionals warn that during periods of unhealthful air quality, people with respiratory or heart disease, smokers, elderly persons, and children should avoid prolonged exertion and stay indoors when possible. In addition, everyone should limit activity and prolonged exertion, both indoors and out. This includes exercising in air conditioned fitness centers, since any additional strain on the respiratory system during periods of unhealthful air quality should be avoided.

Medical professionals also note that cloth masks or bandannas are generally ineffective in reducing smoke inhalation. In order for a mask to work, it must filter fine particles. More functional masks are available at pharmacies, such as the N95 respirator mask available for about 50-55 baht per mask. One size does not fit all. Please choose a correct fit and follow all instructions to ensure proper effectiveness. The recommended maximum use time for most respirators is 7-8 hours.

Day-by-day particulate matter (PM 10) and air quality statistics are available in English on the Pollution Control Department website at http://www.pcd.go.th/AirQuality/Regional/Default.cfm and at the consulate’s website, http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/consulcm/index.htm.

Contact Us

American Citizen Services (ACS)
U.S. Embassy Bangkok
95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: 011 (66) (02) 205-4049 Fax: 011 (66) (02) 205-4103
E-mail: acsbkk@state.gov
Home Page: http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/embassy/acs.htm
U.S. Consulate Chiang Mai
387 Witchayanond Road, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
Tel: [66](53) 252-629 ext. 2104 or 2138
Fax: [66](53) 252-633
E-mail: acschn@state.gov
Home Page: http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/consulcm/services/acs.htm

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An article in today's issue of The Nation, an English language Thai newspaper from Bangkok http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/18/headlines/headlines_30029572.php
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And now enjoy some China Dolls and Buddha Bless. China Dolls are a Chinese-Thai group that Miriam and Aaron just showed me this morning. This song sounds a lot like the Greek children's song I like. And Buddha Bless, Thai hip hop reggae, I love it. I've already posted a video from them in September, but this one's different and I just saw them on the 9th at a this concert with a bunch of cool (Thai) bands. The adventures of that night are coming up soon. The tickets were free but you had to be lucky and read Thai. Guess which one I suceeded at.






Also coming soon...
- the art of parkour and my weekend in Cambodia
- bowling with Mennonite missionaries
- why English is ridulous
- writings from my students
- why Sundays make me love Chiang Mai
- why my ridiculous AUA schedule combined with the pathetic value dollar makes me feel funny
- why I don't have internet in my new place