Haze pollution in the northern resort city of Chiang Mai poses no short-term threat to the province's tourism sector, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Chiang Mai office Chalermsak Suranan said, Thai News reported on Sunday.

Tourists are still expected to flow into the northern province at a normal rate, especially with the ongoing Royal Flora 2011 which will continue to March 14, said the director.

However, if the haze pollution persists, it might cause damage to the sector in the long term, he added. Thus, he urged all relevant sectors to come up with a speedy solution to the problem.

On Saturday, dust particles which were believed to have been caused by slash and burn farming were measured at 179.16 microns at Chiang Mai City Hall, above the safe level.

Local residents began wearing surgical masks in an attempt to avoid eye and nose irritation.