The levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and less in diameter exceeded its safe threshold in 43 provinces this morning as many schools in Bangkok were closed or converted to online learning on Friday.
The Air Pollution Resolution Center reported its monitoring of the air quality nationwide. The unhealthy PM 2.5 levels were measured in 43 provinces, including Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Phanom and Buriram.
The regional readings ranged 54-119 microgrammes per cubic meter in Bangkok and surrounding provinces, 34-154 microgrammes per cubic meter in the North, 29-96 microgrammes per cubic meter in the Northeast, 48-117 microgrammes per cubic meter in the central plain and the West and 48-117 microgrammes per cubic meter in the East.
Varawut Silpa-archa, Natural Resources and Environment Minister said about the measure to deal with the PM2.5 problem that his ministry asked for cooperation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to reduce agricultural burning in each respective area through comprehensive management. Bangkok Governor, Chatchart Sithipunt urged people to work from home for a couple of days while his administration closely monitors the situation.
The ministry has tightened measures to cut hotspots from forest fires and burning of farm waste. It will also promote the use of the Burn Check application, which allows registrants to seek permission for burning farm waste and to book a time slot for such activity in order to reduce the high concentration of PM 2.5 levels caused by simultaneous burning.(TNA)
