On Tuesday morning, Greater Bangkok was enveloped in smog, with the worst pollution concentrated in the capital city’s Wang Thonglang area.
The government stated that the air quality in Bangkok today is assessed to be between moderate to a level that may pose health risks, with the quantity of PM 2.5 measured between 39 to 74 microns, with 52 places having PM2.5 dust levels above the local safe level of 50 microns.
The Centre for Air Pollution Mitigation warned last week that a decline in wind speed would result in dangerous amounts of fine-particulate dust in Greater Bangkok and the northern area this week.
Areas with unhealthy air quality in Bangkok
According to the Pollution Control Department‘s air4thai website, 53 regions of Bangkok and its neighboring provinces are suffering air pollution today (Tuesday), with the quantity of PM2.5 dust above the statutory 50-micron limit, with the level on Lat Phrao road being the worst.
The worst pollution was found on Soi Lat Phrao 95 and Lat Phrao Road in Wang Thonglang.
Areas with PM2.5 exceeding 70 microns include:
• Khlong Thawee Wattana in Thawee Wattana district, 73 microns
• Phet Kasem Road in Phasi Charoen district, 71 microns
• Ma Charoen – Phet Kasem 81 Road in Nong Khaem district, 73 microns
• Soi Lat Phrao 95 in Wang Thong Lang district, 74 microns
Unsafe PM2.5 levels were also recorded in other areas in Bangkok including Thon Buri, Bang Na, Bang Khunthian, Pathumwan, Din Daeng, Thon Buri, Bung Kum, Chom Thong, Klong Sam Wa, Phra Khanong, Bang Phlad, Rat Burana, Bang Khae, Pomprap Satruphai, Dusit, Samphanthawong, Bang Rak, Phaya Thai, Sathon, Don Muang, Bang Kho Laem, Bang Kapi, Phasi Charoen, Lat Krabang, Thawi Wattana, Nong Khaem, Taling Chan, Bang Sue, and Khlong Toei.
Similar readings were found in other districts, including Samut Prakan’s Phra Pradaeng and Muang districts, Pathum Thani’s Klong Luang district, Samut Sakhon’s Muang and Krathum Baen districts, and Nakhon Pathom’s Muang district.
On Kanchanapisek, Rat Burana, and Phutthamonthon 1 highways, dust particles no larger than 10 microns were recorded at 60 to 131 microns.
Do not go outside until the air quality in Bangkok is safe
Meanwhile, the Centre for Air Pollution Mitigation is encouraging residents in and around Bangkok to avoid outdoor activities and to avoid burning any rubbish in the open. Those who are at danger should not leave their homes until the air quality in Bangkok has been tested first.
During the milder months of December to February, high levels of PM2.5 are prevalent in Thailand.
Residents can continue to check the status of air quality in Bangkok by visiting air4thai.com and bangkokairquality.com. They can also download the Air4Thai and AirBKK apps.
