Thailand’s air quality safe, Bangkok records lowest PM2.5 levels
In a rare twist of atmospheric fate, Thailand basked in pristine air quality this morning, with every province being given the green light for clean air by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).
Foremost among them, bustling Bangkok boasted the lowest levels of ultrafine dust in the nation, marking a refreshing change for the capital known for its traffic-heavy haze.
At 10am, today, February 10, GISTDA dropped its enlightening findings, revealing that particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter (PM2.5) drifted between a mere 18.4 to 30.2 microgrammes per cubic metre of air nationwide over the course of the previous 24 hours.
This stands well below the government-stipulated safety threshold of 37.5µg/m³, giving the nation room to breathe easy.
It was a green day for 32 provinces, showcasing PM2.5 levels nestled comfortably between 18.4 and 25µg/m³. With Bangkok taking the air quality crown, its neighbours weren’t far behind, with Nonthaburi showing 19.9, Samut Prakan at 20.3, Pathum Thani clocking 21.3, and Samut Sakhon at 22.2.
Provinces like Ayutthaya, Chon Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phang Nga, Phuket, Satun, and Trang also rejoiced in good air days under clear skies, reported Bangkok Post.
Meanwhile, 45 provinces basked in moderate or yellow air quality status, with PM2.5 levels slightly higher, ranging from 25.2 to 30µg/m³. Even the northern hotspots like Chiang Mai (29.4µg/m³), Chiang Rai (29.3), Mae Hong Son (29.9), Nan (30.2), Nong Khai (26.5), and Nakhon Ratchasima (25.4) stayed within the safe zone, with locals breathing a collective sigh of relief.
With clean air sweeping across the nation, it’s a promising start to clear the air for Thailand, even if just for a day. All eyes now are on whether this refreshing trend can continue, giving residents a chance to truly enjoy the Land of Smiles.
PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter. These tiny airborne particles are a major component of air pollution and can come from sources like vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, wildfires, and even dust storms.
Because they’re so small, PM2.5 particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing serious health issues such as respiratory diseases, heart problems, and aggravated asthma. High levels of PM2.5 are often linked to smog, haze, and poor air quality, particularly in urban areas.
If you’re in a high-PM2.5 area, wearing an N95 mask, using an air purifier, and avoiding outdoor activities can help reduce exposure
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