For residents of Chiang Mai, the arrival of the smoky season is an unfortunate annual reality—one that doesn’t just cloud the skies but also threatens our health and impacts the local economy.
Tourists, once eager to explore the vibrant streets, lush mountains, and cultural landmarks, now hesitate to visit, diverting their plans elsewhere.
Hotels and guesthouses see occupancy rates plummet, restaurants and cafés experience dwindling foot traffic, and local businesses suffer from the seasonal exodus of customers.
But it’s not just tourists leaving—many residents choose to escape the smog, seeking cleaner air abroad or in coastal regions, further impacting local businesses that rely on their patronage.
While this seasonal crisis has persisted for years, Warm Heart has been working on a sustainable, community-driven solution.
Our Stop the Smoke campaign tackles the root cause of our local problem: open-field burning by farmers. By introducing biochar technology and training farmers on alternative waste management methods, we’ve made significant strides in reducing the impact of agricultural burning.
Thanks to dedicated supporters and local collaborations, we’ve been able to expand our efforts, helping farmers transition to sustainable practices that not only eliminate smoke but also improve soil health and crop yields.
This year, we are rallying the community for an exciting fundraising event on April 3rd—an evening of fun, food, and entertainment, all in support of a cleaner Chiang Mai.
The event is April 3rd at the Shangri-La Sukhothai Room beginning at 6pm. Starting with a French culinary dining experience, the evening will be filled with a jazz performance by Anna and Friends, a brief update on the future plans to continue to grow our impact.
Adding to the fun excitement of the evening, we are lining up a fantastic selection of Auction and Raffle prizes generously donated by local businesses that share our vision for a smoke-free future.
Through this event, we’re not just raising funds—we’re building a coalition of businesses, residents, and visitors who recognize the urgent need for action.
We invite local businesses to show their support by contributing raffle prizes or making direct donations, reinforcing their commitment to the well-being of our community and the sustainability of our local economy. Contact Warm Heart at info@warmheartworldwide.org
Together, we can Stop the Smoke and create a healthier, more prosperous Chiang Mai. Join us on April 3rd for an unforgettable evening and be part of the solution. For more information visit Charity Dinner.
To attend or support, please contact Shangri-La Chiang Mai at restaurants.slcm@shangri-la.com or call 053-253888.
