Fed-up residents have installed sprinklers on their roofs in a desperate bid to combat the air pollution currently plaguing Thailand.

Homeowners in the Fa Ham sub-district of northern Chiang Mai province hired mechanics to fit their rooftops with watering devices as PM 2.5 levels continue to spike at unhealthy levels.

They turn the sprinklers on one to two hours per day, hoping the increased humidity will dissipate the haze that has been blanketing the region for at least two weeks.

Convenience store owner Nongrak Isaraphap said she did not notice the effects of the smog at first, but began feeling a stinging in her eyes, noes, and ears after being exposed for several days.

She decided to take matters into her own hands and spent 500 baht (14 USD) to purchase sprinklers, which she mounted on her roof.

Nongrak said the sprinklers would also help reduce the heat, but was worried about her water bill.

She said: 'Even if it's just a temporary solution, it's better than doing nothing at this time. In this regard, I hope the relevant agencies find a solution to the haze problem affecting us residents.'

Scientists found that the smog in Thailand is at its worst when farmers burn waste crops to cheaply clear their land between late October and April. This is combined with high numbers of polluting cars on the road and large construction projects across the capital.

The seasonal lack of wind and rain, combined with a winter low-pressure system in which cold air is trapped closer to the ground by warm air above – prevent the pollution from being dispersed naturally.

The Thai government has been criticised for failing to tackle the country's air pollution crisis, with bizarre measures such as spraying water into the air and giant purifiers having no impact.