Bangkok: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched a campaign aimed at reducing air pollution in Chinatown (Yaowarat) and is advising the public to minimize their exposure to PM2.5 levels during the Chinese New Year festival.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Lertlak Leelaruangsaeng, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Bangkok, spearheaded the initiative to cut down on the burning of incense, candles, and paper, which contribute to elevated PM2.5 levels. The campaign, launched during the 2026 Chinese New Year festival, involved providing guidance to shrine caretakers and the public on protecting themselves from air pollution at the Lao Pun Tao Kong Shrine and the Kwang Ee Shrine (Horse God Shrine) in Samphanthawong District.
Dr. Lertlak emphasized Bangkok's commitment to tackling the issue of PM2.5 particulate matter due to its impact on public health. The burning activities traditionally performed during Chinese New Year, such as burning incense, candles, and paper money, produce smoke and air pollution, adversely affecting health, particularly for individuals with respiratory issues like asthma, allergies, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The campaign targets high-risk areas, including shrines, temples, and other religious sites, for exposure to incense smoke.
'We have requested cooperation from shrines to reduce the number of incense burners. Previously, there were incense burners in front of every deity and sacred object, but now there are only 1-2 inside the shrine. They are also asking people to quickly extinguish incense after burning it. We encourage the public to burn only as much incense and candles as necessary, reducing the amount and duration of burning incense for their own health and the health of their families, and to reduce the chance of inhaling smoke and dust. This is also a way to protect your health during periods of high air pollution,' said Dr. Lertlak.
All 50 district offices are actively involved in outreach efforts, offering guidance to shrine caretakers. Samphanthawong District, home to the highest number of shrines (22), has witnessed significant cooperation from shrines and the public in reducing incense and candle burning. Shrines like Lao Pun Tao Kong Shrine have adopted environmentally friendly measures, such as using shorter incense sticks and a modified paper incinerator with an internal water tank to minimize smoke emissions.
In addition, the BMA's Public Health Department, in partnership with district offices, has installed PM2.5 monitoring devices at various shrines to alert the public if dust levels exceed acceptable standards. The public is also urged to reduce the burning of paper money and gold paper, consolidating these activities to sustainably reduce the impact on air quality in community areas.