Hazardous dust levels hit 43 Thai provinces in north and northeast
Over the past 24 hours, hazardous ultrafine dust levels were detected across the north, northeast, and other regions, as reported by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).
At 7am, today, March 26, GISTDA announced that 43 provinces experienced unsafe levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) smaller than 2.5 micrometres in diameter.
Eighteen of these provinces, located in the north and northeast, recorded red levels, indicating hazardous conditions. The government considers PM2.5 levels safe at up to 37.5 microgrammes per cubic metre of air over 24 hours.
Bueng Kan reported the highest PM2.5 level at 154.8 microgrammes per cubic metre, followed by Nakhon Phanom with 138.9, Nong Khai at 114.2, and Sakon Nakhon recording 101.4. These provinces are situated in the northeast. Fourteen other provinces reported red PM2.5 levels ranging from 75.9 to 92.2 microgrammes per cubic metre.
The affected areas, listed in decreasing order of PM2.5 levels, included Loei, Mukdahan, Nan, Udon Thani, Lamphun, Phayao, Kalasin, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Lampang, Phrae, Mae Hong Son, and Yasothon.
Orange PM2.5 levels, indicating a health impact risk, ranged from 39.1 to 73.3 microgrammes per cubic metre in 25 provinces.
These included Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, Maha Sarakham, Khon Kaen, Roi Et, Uttaradit, Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Tak, Sisaket, Phetchabun, Chaiyaphum, Surin, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Buriram, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, Trat, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Satun, Kanchanaburi, Chai Nat, and Lop Buri.
Bangkok, along with 32 other provinces such as Ayutthaya, Chumphon, Krabi, Nakhon Pathom, Phangnga, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Songkhla, and Surat Thani, reported moderate air quality with PM2.5 levels ranging from 26.4 to 36.5 microgrammes per cubic metre.
At 7am, Samut Prakan was noted as the only province with good air quality, reporting a PM2.5 level of 24.9 microgrammes per cubic metre, reported Bangkok Post.
In similar news, Bangkok and 57 out of 76 provinces in Thailand were affected by hazardous PM2.5 dust levels, making the air quality a major concern.
GISTDA issued a warning, with the northern, northeastern, central, and eastern regions experiencing the most severe pollution, while the southern areas remained clearer.
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