Neighbor Agrees to Limit Incense Burning After Complaints
A neighbor agreed to limit incense burning to Buddhist holy days only after mediation by local officials, ending complaints from a resident whose sinus condition and allergies were worsened by daily smoke drifting across the street in Pathu
A neighbor's shrine has agreed to stop regular incense burning following complaints from a 41-year-old resident whose sinus condition and allergies were aggravated by smoke and fumes drifting across from the opposite side of the street. The neighbor had been burning dozens of incense sticks twice daily—around 6:30–7:30 a.m. and in the evening—while playing music for dance practice and conducting religious rituals that included ritual bathing. The smoke and smell entered the complainant's home to the south, disrupting his work in garment assembly and daily life, and forcing him to regularly use nasal spray and saline rinses.
Earlier attempts to resolve the issue—including direct conversation, requests to use odorless incense, and complaints to the community leader, local administration, and environmental authorities—were unsuccessful and drew angry responses. However, Dr. Pracha Sonsiri and the team of Dr. Thanakrit Chitareerung visited about a week ago and mediated a settlement: the neighbor agreed to stop routine incense burning and light incense only on Buddhist holy days.
A follow-up visit on September 21 confirmed the neighbor is honoring the agreement. Seven days have passed with no incense burning and no smoke or odor disturbance. The complainant reported feeling pride and relief that the officials took the matter seriously, noting that previous complaints to other Facebook pages had gone unanswered. Since the team's first visit, the neighbor still performs regular prayer gestures but has not burned incense, and the air quality has visibly improved.
Dr. Pracha Sonsiri summarized the outcome, noting that the situation has returned to normal and incense smell has noticeably decreased. He thanked the neighbor for cooperating with the change and pledged that the team will continue monitoring to ensure the problem does not resume and that residents can live together peacefully and sustainably. Residents in Pathum Thani Province who experience similar issues can report them to the Facebook page "Complaint Center for Pathum Thani People" for assistance.
