Air pollution

  • 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 NewsBangkok breathes easier as PM2.5 levels fall but north faces rise

    Bangkok breathes easier as PM2.5 levels fall but north faces rise

    The upcoming week brings a breath of fresh air for Bangkok locals as levels of harmful PM2.5 pollutants, ultra-fine particulars, are expected to decrease. However, residents in the north and northeast are being warned of an imminent rise in air pollution due to prevalent wildfires in these regions. Sunday morning data from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) air quality monitoring…

  • 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…

  • 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 govt urges use of public transport amid rising PM2.5 pollution

    Thailand govt urges use of public transport amid rising PM2.5 pollution

    The escalating issue of PM2.5 pollution in Thailand has led the government to encourage the public to utilise public transportation, particularly in the most polluted areas. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin called for the public’s cooperation in the battle against the country’s increasing air pollution, which has seen a significant rise in recent days. “We must work on improving the situation…

  • 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 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 NewsCambodia registers most hotspots amid surge in Southeast Asia

    Cambodia registers most hotspots amid surge in Southeast Asia

    A flurry of nearly 6,000 hotspots was detected across several neighbouring countries on a recent Sunday, with Cambodia registering the most, at 4,056, as per the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). The Suomi NPP satellite images pointed out a total of 5,823 hotspots spread out in countries neighbouring Thailand. After Cambodia, Myanmar had the second-highest number with 979,…

  • 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 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 NewsNo fast solution for Bangkok’s air pollution problem

    No fast solution for Bangkok’s air pollution problem

    Experts are urging Thailand to tackle its air pollution crisis head-on, branding it a structural issue requiring citizen-led solutions. The discussion unfolded during the Journey to Clean Air event, orchestrated by the British and Australian Chambers of Commerce in Bangkok. Diving deep into potential solutions, the discourse highlighted institutional limitations and the pivotal role citizens play in driving change towards…

  • 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…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok residents warned of escalating air pollution, urged to work remotely

    Bangkok residents warned of escalating air pollution, urged to work remotely

    The Pollution Control Department (PCD) warned residents of Bangkok to prepare for an escalation in ultra-fine particle pollution in the air, which is anticipated to worsen by Wednesday. As a result of this alert, the PCD has implored individuals residing in the capital to opt for remote working until the situation improves. The intensifying accumulation of PM2.5 pollutants, according to…

  • Thailand NewsRecord PM 2.5 dust levels hit Thailand with Bangkok and Samut Songkhram worst affected

    Record PM 2.5 dust levels hit Thailand with Bangkok and Samut Songkhram worst affected

    Today saw the highest PM 2.5 dust levels this year in Thailand, with Samut Songkhram and Bangkok exceeding all other areas. The Geoinformatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), in collaboration with the National Research Office, the Pollution Control Department, Kasetsart University, and Chiang Mai University, revealed that 38 provinces exceeded standard PM 2.5 dust levels, impacting health. The PM…

  • Bangkok NewsBangkok on alert as dust season brings severe air pollution

    Bangkok on alert as dust season brings severe air pollution

    The Pollution Control Department issued a statement signalling the advent of the dust season in Bangkok and its vicinity, cautioning residents about heightened air pollution levels expected from January 5 to 12. The announcement, made by the Communication Centre for Solving Air Pollution Problems and spearheaded by Director-General Preeyaporn Suwannakes, comes in response to a concerning uptick in air pollution.…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s airports vow to eliminate carbon emissions by 2032

    Thailand’s airports vow to eliminate carbon emissions by 2032

    Airports of Thailand (AOT) is gearing up to transform the aviation landscape by pledging to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and zero carbon emissions by 2032. AOT, responsible for overseeing the nation’s major hubs, has laid out an ambitious strategy to slash a whopping 50% of its annual carbon footprint, currently standing at 300,000 tons. Keerati Kitmanawat, AOT’s dynamic CEO…

  • Thailand NewsThailand warned of escalating PM2.5 dust levels: GISTDA

    Thailand warned of escalating PM2.5 dust levels: GISTDA

    The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) issued an urgent warning about PM2.5 dust particles exceeding safe levels in various parts of Thailand. Samut Sakhon saw the worst conditions with PM2.5 levels reaching 76.7 micrograms per cubic meter, more than double the standard limit of 37.5 micrograms. In Bangkok, 22 districts experienced PM2.5 levels exceeding the standard limit, with…

  • Environment NewsSuccessful rainmaking operations drastically reduce Bangkok’s pollution levels

    Successful rainmaking operations drastically reduce Bangkok’s pollution levels

    Pollution levels across Bangkok and neighbouring areas nosedived yesterday as a result of successful rainmaking operations carried out east of the capital. The operations saw a significant reduction in the concentration of ultra-fine pollutants in the air, bringing it back within the safety threshold. Supis Pitakham, the director-general of the Department of Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation, confirmed that the cloud-seeding…

  • Business NewsThai firm energy absolute predicts 20% revenue growth by 2024 driven by EV demand

    Thai firm energy absolute predicts 20% revenue growth by 2024 driven by EV demand

    Energy Absolute (EA), a developer and operator of renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs) listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, anticipates a minimum of 20% revenue growth by 2024. This increase, it suggests, will be primarily driven by the escalating demand for EVs in Thailand. The tourism sector’s recuperation and corporate demand for employee shuttle services are likely to…

  • Business NewsThailand smog sparks outcry, public anticipation for clean air act grows

    Thailand smog sparks outcry, public anticipation for clean air act grows

    The recurring smog season in Thailand’s northern provinces has sparked increasing public dissatisfaction. Notably, a 28 year old doctor in Chiang Mai, Krittai Tanasombatkul, who was diagnosed with lung cancer despite being a non-smoker, used his social media platform to question why the persistent PM2.5 pollution issue has not been resolved by the authorities. The Clean Air Act, seen as…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok air pollution rises as PM2.5 level exceeds standards

    Bangkok air pollution rises as PM2.5 level exceeds standards

    Air pollution in Bangkok and its adjacent provinces is escalating, with 49 areas exceeding the standard PM2.5 dust value, according to the Air Pollution Abatement Department (APAD) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE). The average PM2.5 value over 24 hours was found to range from 21-57 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) in these areas, exceeding the acceptable…

  • Thailand NewsPM2.5 dust particles return due to season change in Bangkok

    PM2.5 dust particles return due to season change in Bangkok

    Bangkok is currently grappling with the return of PM2.5 dust particles, predominantly due to the transition from the rainy season to the colder months. Rising atmospheric pressure and stagnant air contribute to the accumulation of these particles. The Pollution Control Department (PCD) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment reported today, that the PM2.5 situation in Bangkok and surrounding…

  • Environment NewsThai research probes herbal solutions to PM2.5 dust-related chronic diseases

    Thai research probes herbal solutions to PM2.5 dust-related chronic diseases

    In promising scientific research, experts are exploring the potential of three herbal plants in combatting chronic diseases connected to PM2.5 dust. The focal point of this collaborative project is to address the health challenges arising from prolonged exposure to harmful PM2.5 dust particles, a pressing concern in regions affected by air pollution. The collaborative efforts have seen researchers from Chaophraya…

  • Thailand NewsMFP leader vows to tackle Bangkok’s traffic, flooding, and air pollution

    MFP leader vows to tackle Bangkok’s traffic, flooding, and air pollution

    In a meeting yesterday with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, Move Forward Party (MFP) leader and prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat pledged to address 21 major issues plaguing the capital city. These problems include traffic congestion, flooding, and PM 2.5 air pollution. The meeting was also attended by several MFP MPs-elect for Bangkok and Bangkok councillors, signalling a strong collaboration between…

  • World NewsPollution linked to 1,200 child deaths, chronic illness in Europe

    Pollution linked to 1,200 child deaths, chronic illness in Europe

    Over 1,200 youngsters under 18 are losing their lives prematurely because of air pollution across Europe every year. That’s not all – it’s also raising the risk of chronic illnesses later in life. These saddening stats were revealed by none other than the EU environmental agency itself. Even though there have been some improvements, the levels of crucial air pollutants…

  • Environment NewsChiang Mai breathes easier: Summer storms bring air quality relief

    Chiang Mai breathes easier: Summer storms bring air quality relief

    The air quality in Chiang Mai has significantly improved due to a series of summer storms, causing hazardous haze pollution and ultra-fine particulate matter (PM) 2.5 levels to drop after months of concern. This is welcome news for residents and tourists alike, as the region has been grappling with poor air quality and the impact it has had on both…