BANGKOK, Thailand – PM2.5 pollution levels in Bangkok have surged due to shifting winds and rising heat sources in neighboring countries. The Governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt, has stated that the air quality should improve later this week.
Governor Chadchart monitored the situation at the Bangkok Air Quality Information Center in Din Daeng and revealed that today, the PM2.5 levels in the city have increased, with 44 districts reaching orange levels and 6 districts reaching red levels. This surge is not limited to Bangkok but has affected regions across the country, especially in the central, northeastern, and northern areas, where pollution levels are particularly severe.
One contributing factor is the high atmospheric pressure system that arrived from China between March 21-23, combined with a shift in the easterly winds, which carried smoke from nearby fire hotspots into Bangkok. The number of fire hotspots in neighboring countries has increased by over 1,000 points recently, exacerbating the situation. Additionally, the ventilation rate was very low yesterday at just 2,000 square meters per second, leading to the accumulation of dust that has persisted into today. However, the governor expects air quality to improve this week due to better ventilation.
Governor Chadchart advised residents to wear face masks and avoid outdoor activities, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Despite the current situation, he emphasized that the city has not reached a level that would require a Work From Home announcement, as predictions indicate that the air quality is unlikely to worsen further. (TNA)
