Toxic smog chokes 42 provinces in Thailand, public warned
Thailand is gasping for breath as hazardous levels of PM2.5 dust grip 42 provinces nationwide, sparking serious health warnings and calls to avoid outdoor activities. From Bangkok to the northern highlands, the country is blanketed in smog with levels far above safe standards.
At 7am today, April 3, the Air Pollution Resolution Communication Centre reported alarming data from nationwide monitoring stations. Air quality readings confirmed that nearly every region, except the south, is suffering from dangerously high levels of PM2.5.
The northern region, which includes Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son, saw the highest levels, ranging from 34.1 to a staggering 268 microgrammes per cubic metre, well over Thailand’s safety threshold of 50 µg/m³. The northeastern region wasn’t far behind, recording PM2.5 levels between 26.8 and 72.6 µg/m³.
Central and western provinces, including Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Kanchanaburi, also exceeded safe levels, with measurements reaching up to 78.3 µg/m³. The eastern region had three affected areas, while the South was the only region reporting “very good” air quality, with readings as low as 4.5 µg/m³.
In Bangkok and its surrounding areas, 15 monitoring stations reported PM2.5 levels between 25.5 and 62.9 µg/m³. These figures were collected by the Pollution Control Department in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
Health authorities have issued urgent recommendations. The general public is advised to limit outdoor activities and use protective gear like N95 masks. Those with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly should take extra precautions, including consulting a doctor if symptoms arise.
In high-risk “red zones”, residents are strongly urged to avoid any outdoor exposure altogether. Health experts stress that prolonged inhalation of PM2.5 can cause severe respiratory and cardiovascular problems, even in healthy people, reported Matichon.
Citizens are encouraged to track real-time air quality via the Air4Thai.com and AirBKK.com websites or download the Air4Thai and AirBKK apps for timely updates.
With nearly half the country under a toxic cloud, experts warn this environmental crisis is far from over. The public is urged to stay informed, stay indoors, and stay safe.
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