Haze and air pollution returns to Bangkok this week
Air pollution around the Thai capital is expected to get worse again this week with an increase in the level of PM2.5 dust particles. A high pressure cell over the central region is forecast and will degrade the air around Bangkok between February 13-15, according to the Meteorological Department.
Temperatures will also drop slightly in the Central and Northern regions this week.
The Pollution Contraol Department chief Mr. Phuwiang Prakammin says the current improved air quality around Bangkok is due to better air circulation, causing fine dust particles and smoke to be dissipated.
Bangkok’s air pollution readings for Sunday remain ‘moderate’ whilst north-eastern Thailand has another bad day with smog and smoke pollution settling around the agricultural areas. Khon Kaen, Chon Buri, Nan and Uttradit are experiencing a worse haze problem this year compared to previous years due to the burning of sugarcane waste.
Meanwhile the metropolitan police deputy commissioner Pol Maj-Gen Jirasant Kaewsaeng-aek says ppolice and land transport inspectors seized almost 8,000 vehicles found to be emitting excessive black smoke in the first week of February.
After a tough crackdown on smoke-belching vehicles, he said that the number of vehicles found violating pollution rules has dropped from an average of 500-600 a day to about 400.
