Smog predicted for 53 Thai provinces as Bangkok chokes on dust
Bangkok and a staggering 53 out of Thailand’s 76 provinces today were engulfed in perilously high levels of ultrafine dust, with the Central Plain and east of the country bearing the brunt. The alarming report comes from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), painting a grim picture of air quality across the nation.
As of 8am, today, February 13, GISTDA’s latest findings revealed that Bangkok, along with 27 other provinces, was choking on deadly red levels of particulate matter (PM2.5), with concentrations soaring between 75.7 and 112.4 microgrammes per cubic metre over the past 24 hours. The government’s safety threshold sits at a mere 37.5µg/m³, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Trat province topped the horror list with a dangerous 112.4µg/m³, closely followed by the capital, Bangkok, at 103.7. Not far behind were Pathum Thani at 102.5, Samut Prakan at 101.8, Chachoengsao at 101.1, and Chon Buri at 100.9.
Twenty-two more provinces were caught in the red zone of PM2.5, including Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Samut Sakhon, Saraburi, Nonthaburi, Samut Songkhram, Ayutthaya, Phetchaburi, Chanthaburi, Rayong, Lop Buri, Kanchanaburi, Prachin Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Sing Buri, Suphan Buri, Uthai Thani, Sa Kaeo, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ang Thong, Chai Nat, and Nakhon Ratchasima.
Another 26 provinces weren’t spared, suffering orange levels of PM2.5, signalling initial health risks with readings between 39.7 and 74.6µg/m³. This group included regions like Khon Kaen, Loei, Nan, Nong Khai, Phuket, Songkhla, and Tak.
Surprisingly, pockets of fresh air still prevailed in 23 provinces reporting very good to moderate air quality. Amnat Charoen was blessed with very good air, hosting what seems like an oasis amidst the pollution. Meanwhile, eight provinces including Chiang Mai, Chumphon, Mae Hong Son, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Ranong, Roi Et, and Yasothon enjoyed good air quality.
There was also a glimmer of hope in 14 provinces displaying moderate air quality, such as Chiang Rai, Kalasin, Krabi, Lamphun, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phang Nga, Phatthalung, Sakon Nakhon, Satun, Sisaket, Surat Thani, Surin, Trang, and Ubon Ratchathani. As the dust continues to settle, all eyes are on what actions will be taken to clear the air.
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