Air pollution

  • Thailand NewsThailand pushes alternative crops to curb agricultural burning

    Thailand pushes alternative crops to curb agricultural burning

    Thailand is taking significant steps to empower farmers in addressing the persistent issue of agricultural burning, which contributes to PM2.5 dust pollution, particularly in lowland areas. By encouraging the cultivation of high-value alternative crops, the country aims to mitigate the detrimental environmental impact and enhance the sustainability of the agricultural sector. The Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, alongside international…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok faces alarming PM2.5 pollution spike, 32 districts affected

    Bangkok faces alarming PM2.5 pollution spike, 32 districts affected

    Bangkok is suffocating under a cloud of smog as PM2.5 pollution levels surge, forcing 32 districts to breach safety thresholds. Satellite data from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) casts a spotlight on Nong Khaem, clocking the most dangerous levels at a staggering 61.3 microgrammes per cubic metre. Such pollution spells disaster for our lungs, with the respiratory…

  • Thailand NewsPattaya breathes easy: Beach paradise takes fresh air steps

    Pattaya breathes easy: Beach paradise takes fresh air steps

    Pattaya, Thailand’s renowned beachside hotspot, is upping its game beyond tourism, making strides to keep the city’s air fresh and clean. With its sandy beaches and buzzing nightlife, Pattaya attracts droves of visitors each year. Now, city officials are ensuring that visitors and residents alike can breathe easy by prioritising air quality. In a bid to tackle pollution head-on, the…

  • Thai LifeWhy is Bangkok’s air quality so bad?

    Why is Bangkok’s air quality so bad?

    When you wake up early in Bangkok you can see all the beautiful morning fog from your balcony, As you sip your coffee you realise it’s just Bangkok’s air pollution that’s making the sun rise aesthetic. Ranked the 36th most air-polluted country in the world, Thailand has been facing challenges when it comes to increasing its air quality. Many factors…

  • Thailand NewsThailand, Laos, Myanmar launch Clear Sky to combat pollution

    Thailand, Laos, Myanmar launch Clear Sky to combat pollution

    In a bid to blow away the blanket of smog smothering Southeast Asia, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar joined forces with a sparkling new initiative: the Clear Sky Strategy 2024-2030. The grand unveiling took place at Bangkok’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday, with VIPs Maris Sangiampongsa, Thailand’s top minister, and Chalermchai Sri-on, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, leading the…

  • Thailand NewsAir pollution crisis: Village chief defends age-old burning practices (video)

    Air pollution crisis: Village chief defends age-old burning practices (video)

    As the haze season begins, villagers of Ban Mae Lan Kham are preparing to burn their land, adding to some of the world’s worst air pollution. When the haze season descends upon northern Thailand, village chief Nanthawat Tiengtrongsakun and his community start their annual preparations. They cut down shrubs and trees on their small plots, then set controlled burns to…

  • Thailand NewsFrom smog to serenity: Bangkok’s Benjakitti Park breathes new life

    From smog to serenity: Bangkok’s Benjakitti Park breathes new life

    Bangkok, former home to a sprawling industrial estate, where Thailand’s state-owned tobacco monopoly churned out millions of cigarettes for over half a century, emerges from the smog. Benjakitti Park, an urban oasis, has rapidly become a beloved haven for Bangkok’s 11 million residents. Officially opened in August 2022 to honour Queen Sirikit’s 90th birthday, the now 40-hectare Benjakitti Park boasts…

  • Thailand NewsHouse committee to strategise on industrial accident prevention

    House committee to strategise on industrial accident prevention

    The House Committee on Industry is set to convene tomorrow to deliberate on strategies for preventing industrial accidents. This move follows a series of recent warehouse and factory fires, with the most recent one occurring last week at Map Ta Phut Tank Terminal (MTT) in Rayong. Kamonthas Kittisoonthornsakul, a Move Forward Party (MFP) MP for Rayong and deputy chair of…

  • Thailand NewsDust distress: Thailand choked by PM2.5 air pollution surge

    Dust distress: Thailand choked by PM2.5 air pollution surge

    Air pollution levels in parts of Thailand have surged into the red-coded category, indicating serious health risks. Particularly hard hit was Chiang Mai, where excessive PM2.5 dust levels were detected on today, April 4. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) revealed that 21 provinces were grappling with dangerous PM2.5 particulate levels – fine airborne particles measuring 2.5 micrometres…

  • Thailand NewsAlarming rise in Thailand’s air pollution prompts call for dedicated committee

    Alarming rise in Thailand’s air pollution prompts call for dedicated committee

    Air pollution in Thailand has escalated to an alarming level, prompting the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) to call for the formation of a dedicated national committee to tackle the PM2.5 problem and a separate agency to manage smog. These proposals were presented in an academic paper published on the TDRI’s website yesterday. This comprehensive study was conducted by esteemed…

  • AutomotiveOld cars fuel pollution crisis, electric vehicles offer cleaner future

    Old cars fuel pollution crisis, electric vehicles offer cleaner future

    In the intricate ecosystems of urban areas and extensive highway networks, the environmental implications of vehicular traffic demand immediate attention. It is critical to recognize the significant contribution of motor vehicles to air pollution, an issue that has become glaringly evident. The emissions from vehicles, whether for daily commutes or longer travels, considerably increase atmospheric pollution with deleterious substances. In…

  • Thailand NewsChiang Mai crowned world’s most polluted as smog crisis worsens

    Chiang Mai crowned world’s most polluted as smog crisis worsens

    Chiang Mai recently ascended to an undesirable top spot on the global stage as it experiences severe air pollution, making it the most polluted city in the world. The air quality in this northern Thai city has reached levels that pose significant health risks due to the pervasive spread of PM2.5 particles. At 3am today, March 15, the air quality…

  • Thailand NewsChiang Mai now world’s third most polluted city

    Chiang Mai now world’s third most polluted city

    Chiang Mai ranks as the third most polluted city globally amid a severe air quality crisis in northern Thailand, with particulate matter (PM)2.5 levels surging due to widespread forest fires. The situation, which peaked today, March 7, has triggered health concerns and advisories. Northern Thailand is grappling with a significant air pollution crisis. Today, the Air Pollution Crisis Resolution Centre…

  • Thailand NewsChiang Rai hits highest air pollution levels in Thailand

    Chiang Rai hits highest air pollution levels in Thailand

    Air pollution has reached critical levels in the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand, with 36 provinces reporting particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations exceeding the safe standard, according to a recent report from the Air Pollution Control Department (APCD) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The province of Chiang Rai recorded the highest levels in the country. Over the…

  • Environment NewsSweeping fires devastate 30,000 rai of forest in Chiang Mai

    Sweeping fires devastate 30,000 rai of forest in Chiang Mai

    Sweeping fires engulfed an estimated 30,000 rai (approximately 4,800 hectares) of forest across three districts in the province of Chiang Mai, reported local authorities. The flames, which sparked roughly a week ago, primarily ravaged the Ob Luang National Park. The districts of Hot, Chomg Thong, and Mae Cham are the most severely impacted, with the fires still ablaze and uncontained.…

  • Environment NewsBangkok’s air quality improves as PM2.5 levels drop

    Bangkok’s air quality improves as PM2.5 levels drop

    Bangkok’s populace can anticipate a breath of fresh air in the forthcoming week as the levels of PM2.5 pollutants are projected to undergo a downswing. AirBKK, the Air Quality Monitoring Centre of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), confirmed on a Sunday morning that the PM2.5 concentrations in the capital city were well below the 24-hour safe exposure threshold, which is…

  • Thailand NewsNorthern Thailand battles severe air pollution as Bangkok breathes clear

    Northern Thailand battles severe air pollution as Bangkok breathes clear

    Seventeen provinces in Thailand’s northern and northeastern regions are grappling with hazardous levels of air pollution, as reported by the country’s Air Pollution Crisis Management Centre (ACMC). In stark contrast, Bangkok enjoys clear skies, free from the dangerous PM2.5 particles, offering residents the chance to breathe easily. Over the next seven days, from February 23 to February 29, the situation…

  • Thailand NewsPrime Minister of Thailand proposes pollution mitigation fund

    Prime Minister of Thailand proposes pollution mitigation fund

    The Prime Minister of Thailand proposed the establishment of a pollution mitigation fund with the United Nations (UN). The proposal by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was made during a recent meeting with Amina J Mohammed, the UN’s Deputy Secretary-General, centred around the discussion of sustainable development. Post Tuesday’s Cabinet briefing, the 62 year old prime minister revealed how he had…

  • Thailand NewsUpdate: NASA and South Korea join forces to crack down on air pollution

    Update: NASA and South Korea join forces to crack down on air pollution

    South Korea’s National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) and NASA have embarked on a mission to unravel the secrets of winter air pollution across Asia, including Thailand. Announced by the South Korean Ministry of Environment, this joint research initiative kicked off in South Korea and will span through Malaysia and Thailand, culminating on March 25. This year’s study, conducted from…

  • Northern Thailand NewsThailand’s fiery plight: 400+ hotspots spark concern

    Thailand’s fiery plight: 400+ hotspots spark concern

    Thailand is currently grappling with more than 400 hotspots, with the highest concentration in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Lampang, and Mae Hong Son, each reporting over 40 incidents. In comparison, neighbouring countries are also facing significant challenges, with Myanmar recording 3,065 hotspots, Cambodia 1,341, Laos 704, and Vietnam 414 as of February 18. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s hotspots surge, sparking environmental concerns

    Thailand’s hotspots surge, sparking environmental concerns

    The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported a surge in hotspots across Thailand and neighbouring countries, exceeding 1,700 points in Thailand alone as of February 14. This data, collected from the Suomi NPP satellite alongside other satellites, raised concerns, particularly as the majority of these hotspots are located in conservation forests and national parks. With neighbouring countries also…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok blanketed in toxic air: Emergency work-from-home orders issued

    Bangkok blanketed in toxic air: Emergency work-from-home orders issued

    As the dense smog engulfs Bangkok with toxic air levels skyrocketing past safety thresholds, authorities urgently call for remote work, revealing shocking pollution statistics. In a directive by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) urged state entities and private firms to enact emergency measures, allowing their employees to work remotely today and tomorrow. “AirBKK, the city’s air…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok grapples with hazardous PM2.5 pollution levels

    Bangkok grapples with hazardous PM2.5 pollution levels

    Bangkok and 38 other provinces in Thailand are currently experiencing dangerous levels of PM2.5 pollution, prompting health warnings and recommendations for the public to wear masks at all times when outdoors. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), together with the National Research Council of Thailand, the Pollution Control Department, Kasetsart University, and Chiang Mai University, are closely monitoring…

  • Thailand NewsNASA’s air pollution blitz: Ambitious mission to clear the skies

    NASA’s air pollution blitz: Ambitious mission to clear the skies

    In a move to tackle the global scourge of air pollution, NASA launched a series of missions aimed at revolutionising the way we forecast and combat this deadly threat. With millions of lives hanging in the balance each year due to air pollution-related illnesses, the need for accurate identification and tracking of pollutants has never been more pressing. Kicking off…

  • Thailand NewsThailand suffers hazardous ultrafine dust levels in 48 provinces

    Thailand suffers hazardous ultrafine dust levels in 48 provinces

    Hazardous levels of ultrafine dust were recorded in 48 of Thailand’s 77 provinces this morning, with the northeast of the country being the most affected. This data was confirmed by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). GISTDA’s 10am readings revealed that 13 provinces were under the harmful influence of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and less in diameter (PM2.5).…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok air pollution levels exceed safety standards

    Bangkok air pollution levels exceed safety standards

    Air pollution in Bangkok and 30 provinces have been reported to exceed safe levels of PM2.5, according to the latest air quality monitoring. Despite some improvements forecasted for the coming week, public health warnings remain in place, advising residents in affected areas to minimise outdoor activities. As of 7am yesterday, the Air Pollution Control Department of the Ministry of Natural…

  • Thailand NewsScientists at Mahidol University link PM2.5 exposure to onset of osteoporosis

    Scientists at Mahidol University link PM2.5 exposure to onset of osteoporosis

    A team of scientists from Mahidol University’s Faculty of Science, focusing on osteoporosis, recently discovered a potential link between fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) and the onset of osteoporosis. They observed that lab rats exposed to PM2.5 developed bone inflammation, leading to an increase in bone-degrading cells called osteoclasts. The research, carried out by the Centre of…

  • Thailand NewsHazardous haze engulfs Thailand provinces with dangerous PM2.5 levels

    Hazardous haze engulfs Thailand provinces with dangerous PM2.5 levels

    A hazardous haze of ultra-fine dust engulfed 35 out of Thailand’s 77 provinces this morning, January 28, predominantly affecting the central plains. This information was revealed in a recent report by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, which was released at 8am. The report classified nine provinces as suffering from red-level air pollution, indicating serious harm due to the…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesBangkok bracing for temperature drop and dust pollution fluctuations

    Bangkok bracing for temperature drop and dust pollution fluctuations

    The capital city of Thailand, Bangkok, is set to experience a slight drop in temperatures tomorrow, January 24, amid ongoing concerns over high levels of dust pollution. As forecasted by the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD), temperatures are predicted to decrease by 1-3°C for a single day. Meanwhile, other regions of the country, barring the south, will see a temperature…

  • Thailand NewsRoyal Thai Air Force to battle surging fine dust pollution crisis

    Royal Thai Air Force to battle surging fine dust pollution crisis

    With fine dust pollution surging to alarming levels in Thailand, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin tasked the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) with spearheading the nation’s countermeasures. RTAF chief ACM Phanpakdee Pattanakul yesterday confirmed the directive. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) revealed that the provinces of Samut Songkhram and Samut Sakhon are presently grappling with high levels of…