Hazy Skies and Poor Visibility Persist in Bangkok Amid Rising Air Pollution Concerns

Bangkok: This morning in Bangkok and surrounding areas, the air is hazy due to a mixture of fog and dust. The Pollution Control Department reported this morning that Bangkok and its surrounding areas continue to be affected by low ventilation rates and very high relative humidity, resulting in hazy skies and poor visibility in many areas. GISDA found that PM2.5 levels exceeded the standard in 57 provinces, requiring continued monitoring.

According to Thai News Agency, data from the Air Pollution Control Communication Center (APCC) of the Pollution Control Department at 8:00 AM indicates that Bangkok has an average relative humidity of approximately 86.7%, contributing to light fog near the surface. This, combined with accumulated PM2.5 particles in the atmosphere, leads to poor visibility in the morning. However, it is expected that as sunlight intensifies and temperatures rise, the fog will gradually dissipate during the late morning and midday, improving overall air quality.

Further air quality data from Air4Thai and AirBKK reveal that PM2.5 levels exceed the standard in 34 districts of Bangkok. Satellite data from GISTDA shows that 57 provinces across the country are experiencing high to very high levels of air pollution. These include provinces in the Northern, Northeastern, Central, and Eastern regions, while Southern Thailand maintains normal air pollution levels.

The Pollution Control Department forecasts that the dust situation will persist until February 5, 2026. Bangkok and surrounding areas are expected to see increasing levels of air pollution until February 2nd, necessitating ongoing monitoring in certain areas. The Central region is witnessing a continuous upward trend in pollution levels. The Northern region, encompassing 17 provinces, still requires close monitoring, while the Northeastern and Eastern regions are experiencing an increasing trend. Meanwhile, conditions in the Southern region remain favorable.

The public is advised to closely monitor the daily situation, avoid outdoor activities in the morning, wear a face mask or dust mask if necessary, refrain from burning in open areas, and consult a doctor if they experience health problems. Real-time air quality information can be accessed at Air4Thai.pcd.go.th, the Air4Thai application, AirBKK, or by searching "Check Dust".