BANGKOK, THAILAND – A choking blanket of fine dust spread across much of the country as authorities warned of worsening air pollution until 25 January.
Smog alert across Bangkok
In Bangkok, 15 districts already reported health-threatening air quality. Districts such as Ratchathewi and Pathumwan registered orange-level smog, classified as harmful to everyone.
Authorities forecast that PM2.5 levels would continue to rise nationwide at least until Saturday. Bangkok, the central plain, the north and the northeast were expected to be most affected, while only the south still had relatively clean air.
Northeast records worst fine dust values
The highest readings were measured in the northeast of the country. In some areas, concentrations of ultra-fine particles climbed to 66 micrograms per cubic meter.
For comparison, the Thai limit was 50 µg/m³, while the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended no more than 15 µg/m³, meaning the current burden was about four times higher than advised. The central region and the north also exceeded legal limits across wide areas, with no improvement in sight.
Public feels mounting environmental strain
A new survey by the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI) confirmed the public mood, with more than 88% of respondents reporting moderate to severe impacts from environmental problems. Air pollution topped the list of concerns at 42%, followed by climate change at 22% and waste management issues at 15%.
“People feel the crisis in their lungs every single day.”
said an expert, commenting on the clear survey findings.
Rising pressure for a Clean Air Act
Amid the ongoing crisis, calls grew louder for a dedicated clean air law. The TEI announced it would submit a proposal for a “Clean Air Act” to the next government.
Citizens also demanded integrated water management and zero-waste systems, turning environmental policy into a key election issue. TEI director Wijarn Simachaya stressed that people now expected concrete solutions from politicians and that empty promises were no longer acceptable.
Health advice for vulnerable groups
Authorities urged at-risk groups such as children, older people and those with pre-existing conditions to avoid strenuous outdoor activity. They strongly recommended wearing a proper FFP2 mask outside and using air purifiers at home to help reduce exposure.
Residents were advised to keep windows closed when outdoor air quality was poor and, where possible, to leave the car at home and use public transport instead.
A recurring smog season
The annual smog season was no longer a surprise but a recurring disaster that sent thousands of people to hospital every year. Until far-reaching political measures took effect, citizens were left largely with their own precautions as clean air in Thailand became a scarce resource.
The countdown to 25 January continued, along with growing concern for the health of an entire nation. The ongoing debate over the economy, elections and growth contrasted with millions who could not breathe freely, as fine dust was portrayed not as a natural event but as the result of gradual political failure.