Tourism
Haze from Indonesian Wildfires Impacts Air Quality in Hat Yai
Dense smog from Indonesian wildfires has blanketed Hat Yai and Songkhla, reducing visibility and prompting health concerns among residents and tourists.
On August 29, 2026, residents and visitors in Hat Yai and Kho Hong, Songkhla province, reported a significant increase in haze caused by wildfires in Indonesia. According to Khaosod Online Thailand, the smog has become noticeably denser than in previous days, obscuring the view of the Kho Hong mountain range and the Songkhla Lake area.
Data from the air4thai.pcd.go.th website recorded PM 2.5 levels at 54.6 micrograms per cubic meter between 1:00 AM and 2:00 AM, and 42.6 micrograms per cubic meter between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM. These readings place the air quality in the yellow category.
For travelers and residents, the situation has led to reduced visibility at popular tourist spots, such as the Hat Yai City viewpoint on Kho Hong mountain, where visitors—including tourists from Malaysia and migrant workers—have been unable to see the city landscape clearly. Many locals have begun wearing masks due to reports of throat and nasal irritation. While the haze is currently visible to the naked eye, it remains to be confirmed how long these atmospheric conditions will persist and whether air quality levels will fluctuate further in the coming days.