BANGKOK, Thailand – The air pollution situation in Bangkok worsened again this morning (January 29), with PM2.5 levels reaching the orange zone in seven districts after showing improvement over the past two to three days. Nationwide, air quality exceeded safety standards in 15 provinces, with pollution levels expected to rise further.
According to the Bangkok Air Quality Information Center, as of 7:00 AM today, the overall PM2.5 level in the capital was classified as moderate, averaging 32.8 µg/m³. However, seven districts recorded PM2.5 levels in the orange zone, indicating a potential health impact. The highest level was detected in Nong Khaem at 43 µg/m³, followed by Phasi Charoen (39.7 µg/m³), Suan Luang (38.8 µg/m³), Phra Khanong (38.7 µg/m³), and Khlong Sam Wa (38.4 µg/m³).
This increase in air pollution is attributed to weak atmospheric ventilation and a persistent surface-level temperature inversion from January 29 to February 3, 2025. These conditions restrict the dispersion of pollutants, leading to stable or increasing PM2.5 concentrations during this period.
PM2.5 Levels Exceed Safe Limits in 15 Provinces
The Air Pollution Resolution Communication Center, under the Pollution Control Department, reported this morning that PM2.5 levels exceeded safety limits in 15 provinces, mainly in the northern, central, and eastern regions. Affected provinces include Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Nan, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Phetchaburi, Rayong, and Trat. Meanwhile, air quality in the northeastern and southern regions remains within safe limits.
According to IQAir’s real-time data at 11:00 AM, the province with the worst air quality in Thailand was Uttaradit, with an AQI of 154 (red level), followed by Lampang at 146 and Samut Sakhon at 133 (orange level). PM2.5 pollution is expected to increase in most regions until February 4, except in the south, where conditions are expected to remain good.
Deputy PM Anutin Leads Talks on Pollution Mitigation
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul chaired a national emergency meeting to address the ongoing PM2.5 crisis, with participation from various agencies and governors from all 76 provinces via an electronic conference.
Anutin emphasized that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is closely monitoring the situation and has been in constant discussions with him. He identified open burning as a major cause of the problem and urged strict measures to curb the practice. “If we can prevent people from burning, pollution levels will drop significantly. We should focus on solving our domestic issues first rather than worrying about neighboring countries,” Anutin said.
He cited Chiang Mai as an example of alternative solutions, such as burying or processing corn husks instead of burning them. He also stressed the need for government support in providing machinery to facilitate these processes.
Anutin highlighted the financial burden of past disasters, noting that Thailand has spent nearly 20 billion baht on disaster relief, including 9,000 baht in compensation per affected household. However, he pointed out that air pollution relief funds cannot be allocated in advance, as compensation currently requires pollution levels to exceed 150 µg/m³. “If we wait until that point, Thailand will be engulfed in smog. Each province must come up with ways to push for financial aid beforehand,” he urged.
He called for collective efforts from all sectors and strict law enforcement to address the issue effectively.
