THAILAND – The air quality in Bangkok and its vicinity has continued to improve. The levels of PM 2.5 meets the standard criteria in all areas. The level of PM 2.5 in the North however, has reached the red level in Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai provinces.
Mr. Pralong Dumrongthai, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), announced today that the levels of particulate matter of 2.5 microns or less (PM2.5) in Bangkok and its vicinity were measured between 13 and 32 micrograms per cubic meter on February 16, 2020. The overall volume of dust has increased slightly in some areas from the previous day, but still meets the standard criteria. He called on people to travel by public transport instead of personal cars during the air pollution crisis.
As for the haze situation in nine Northern provinces, the levels of PM 2.5 were measured between 34 and 128 micrograms per cubic meter on February 16, 2020. The levels of particulate matter 10 micrometers or less in diameter (PM 10) were between 49 – 144 micrograms per cubic meter. The overall volume of dust has increased slightly in some areas from the previous day.
The levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10 have reached the red level in Chong Kham sub district of Muang Mae Hong Son, and in Wiang Phang Kham sub district of Mae Sai Chiang Rai, due to outdoor burning. The dust levels in another six areas were found to be at orange level. The problem of forest fires and smog caused by outdoor burning still persists.
People have been asked to refrain from burning, in both open and forest areas. Those who spot forest fires caused by outdoor burning can help report the situation via the hotline 1362.
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