It is sad that the rural population has still not understood that the slash and burn increases the high cancer death rates in the whole country as the air quality is getting worse and worse.
At the moment, many of their rice fields are burning down instead of selling the straw or adding it to creative products. Plates made from natural materials such as rice straw, maize, etc. are already available but unfortunately the range is still small and so is the level of acceptance. During the hikes at the moment you have to cough, get a headache and feel guilty about not doing enough. It's much worse up in Chang Mai and Chang Rai. Lots of people had to go to the hospital in the last few days (March) because of various symptoms, all of which can be attributed to the poor air quality.