Bangkok: PM2.5 levels have exceeded the standard in 43 provinces across Thailand, with expectations of continued rise over the next week. The Pollution Control Department has issued a warning for the period from January 18 to 24, urging immediate action to manage the deteriorating air quality. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has responded by ordering stringent pollution control measures and seeking collaboration with ASEAN countries to tackle transboundary haze issues.
According to Thai News Agency, the Air Pollution Control Communication Center (APCC) of the Pollution Control Department has highlighted the alarming PM2.5 situation in Thailand. As of 7:00 AM, high PM2.5 levels were recorded across 43 provinces, including major areas such as Pathum Thani, Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Nakhon Pathom. The list extends to others like Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Lamphun, and Uttaradit, among several others.
The regional breakdown of particulate matter levels provides a clearer picture: the northern region recorded PM2.5 levels ranging from 7.7 to 67.1 µg/m³; the northeastern region noted figures between 22.5 and 79.7 µg/m³; and the central region saw measurements from 19.0 to 74.7 µg/m³. In the eastern region, 5 areas exceeded the standard with levels from 19.1 to 60.3 µg/m³. Conversely, the southern region maintained a good air quality level, with PM2.5 levels between 14.7 and 24.3 µg/m³. In Bangkok and surrounding areas, PM2.5 levels ranged from 24.3 to 62.0 µg/m³, impacting 38 areas.
The current weather conditions, featuring stagnant air and weak winds, contribute significantly to the high levels of air pollution. The Meteorological Department notes that these conditions lead to low ventilation rates, causing dust particles to accumulate rapidly in urban and downwind areas. The presence of southerly and southeasterly winds from the Gulf of Thailand further exacerbates the situation, resulting in fog and haze, especially in the mornings.
The forecast for January 18-24 suggests that air pollution levels in the upper parts of the country will continue to rise, except for the South, which is projected to maintain good air quality. In response, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has directed relevant agencies to take proactive measures. This includes strict control of burning activities in forest areas by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and the Royal Forest Department. Provincial agencies are also tasked with controlling local pollution sources and limiting burning during periods of stagnant air.
Additionally, the MNRE has engaged with Bangkok authorities to potentially implement enhanced pollution control measures, such as establishing Low Emission Zones (LEZs) and extending work-from-home hours if the air quality does not improve. The Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation has been enlisted to modify weather conditions to break down temperature inversion layers and aid in dust dispersion.
Addressing the transboundary haze issue, the MNRE has communicated with the ASEAN Secretary-General, requesting cooperation from neighboring countries to reduce hotspots identified in satellite imagery, which contribute to the problem.