Pollution in Phrae province reached a very high level, obstructing a Nok Air plane from landing and forcing it to head back to Bangkok.

PM2.5 dust particles today (January 27) were found to be 564 micrograms per cubic meter in the province, while PM10 was 171 micrograms.

The particles were visible, with 191 hotspots, especially in the districts of Long, Song, and Wang Chin. Locals were urged to spray water to protect themselves.

The particles cut visibility, forcing the Nok Air flight back to Don Mueang Airport.

People who wanted to take the 11.30am flight had to head to Chiang Mai or Lam Pang airports to travel by air.

“However, those passengers did not need to buy new tickets to take a new flight,” Nok Air’s manager for Phrae Natcha Chaiyawan said.

She said those who wanted to come to Phrae from Bangkok needed to wait for the 6pm flight.

“The flights tomorrow [Tuesday] will be operated as usual,” she said. “However, if we experience the same problem again, we will do as we did today."