Bangkok: The Pollution Control Department has issued a warning to residents of Bangkok and nearby provinces regarding the escalating PM2.5 dust levels expected to occur from December 2 to 6. This increase is attributed to a strong cold air mass enveloping the upper part of Thailand, leading to stagnant and sinking air, coupled with reduced ventilation rates. Dust levels have surpassed safety standards in 27 provinces across the nation.
According to Thai News Agency, the Air Pollution Resolution Communication Center of the Pollution Control Department reported the air quality monitoring outcomes on December 2, 2024, at 7:00 a.m., revealing that PM2.5 levels exceeded the standard in 27 provinces. These areas include Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Sing Buri, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Phetchaburi, Chachoengsao, Nong Khai, Lo
ei, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, and Ubon Ratchathani.
In the northern region, five areas have exceeded the standard, with PM2.5 concentrations ranging from 6.4 to 50.7 micrograms per cubic meter. The northeastern region reported similar conditions in five areas, with levels between 23.0 and 52.9 micrograms per cubic meter. The central and western regions showed widespread exceedance of the standard, with measurements from 21.8 to 53.9 micrograms per cubic meter. The eastern region reported only one area exceeding the standard, with levels ranging from 9.1 to 38.3 micrograms per cubic meter. Meanwhile, the southern region remains in very good condition, with PM2.5 levels between 10.8 and 28.6 micrograms per cubic meter.
Bangkok and its vicinity, as monitored by the Pollution Control Department and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), mostly reported levels exceeding the standard, with PM2.5 concentrations ranging from 24.5 to 73.8 micrograms per cubic meter. The department anticipates high hourly PM2.5 dus
t values in Bangkok and surrounding areas during December 2-6, 2024, due to the strong cold air mass affecting the northeastern region. This situation results in air stagnation and a lower ventilation rate. Additionally, data from GISTDA indicated the presence of hotspots, with northeasterly winds blowing towards the southwest, causing dust particles to accumulate in the atmosphere over Bangkok.
The situation is expected to improve after December 7, 2024, as the ventilation rate slightly increases and meteorological conditions become more conducive to dust evacuation. Consequently, the concentration of dust particles in the atmosphere is likely to decrease.
The forecast for the next week, from December 3 to 9, 2024, suggests that the dust levels in Bangkok and surrounding areas will continue to rise until December 6, with some areas requiring ongoing monitoring. Seventeen northern provinces are performing well, although some areas still need attention. The northeastern region’s dust levels are likely to inc
rease from December 3 to December 9, with certain areas needing monitoring. In contrast, the eastern region shows a downward trend and remains in very good condition, while the south continues to maintain favorable air quality.
The Pollution Control Department urges the public to take health precautions, check air quality before leaving home via the Air4Thai.pcd.go.th website or the Air4Thai application, reduce or avoid using private vehicles, use public transportation, and refrain from burning activities in Bangkok and surrounding provinces to help reduce dust accumulation during this period.