Bangkok, Thailand – Fine dust pollution remained dangerous across much of the country as 42 provinces exceeded PM2.5 limits and several regions faced a forecast rise over the next seven days.
Current situation on 15 April
The Air Pollution Problem Solving Communication Center reported that on the morning of 15 April 2026, many parts of Thailand recorded PM2.5 levels above the national standard. Northern areas, large parts of the northeast and the central region were especially affected.
Bangkok and surrounding provinces also registered exceedances at several monitoring stations. Authorities highlighted that elevated readings were widespread rather than limited to isolated hotspots.
42 provinces over the limit
Among the provinces above the standard were Nonthaburi and Bangkok, along with numerous northern provinces including Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Nan, Mae Hong Son, Phayao, Lamphun, Lampang, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan and Uthai Thani. The list indicated a broad belt of unhealthy air across the upper part of the country.
Central and western provinces such as Singburi, Lopburi, Saraburi, Suphanburi, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi also exceeded the limits. Many northeastern provinces, including Bueng Kan, Nong Khai, Loei, Udon Thani, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Bua Lamphu, Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Amnat Charoen, Chaiyaphum, Ubon Ratchathani and Sisaket, were likewise affected.
Regional readings: North most critical
According to the report, PM2.5 readings in the northern region were “mostly” above the standard, ranging from 54.2 to 201.1 µg/m³. These values pointed to particularly severe smog in several northern locations.
The northeast was also described as largely above the limit, with readings between 30.6 and 190.1 µg/m³. Central and western Thailand mostly reported elevated levels in the range of 30.5 to 91.6 µg/m³.
Bangkok and surrounding areas
In Bangkok and its vicinity, monitoring stations jointly operated by the CPC and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) recorded exceedances in four areas. PM2.5 values there ranged from 25.0 to 42.0 µg/m³.
Officials noted that these results required continued vigilance in affected zones. Residents in polluted districts were urged to pay attention to daily air quality updates.
East and South: Clearer skies
In the eastern region, the overall situation was described as “moderate,” with PM2.5 readings between 17.8 and 33.9 µg/m³. Levels there were lower than in the northern and northeastern provinces but still demanded monitoring in some locations.
The southern region recorded the best conditions in the country. Its air quality was classified as “very good,” with PM2.5 values between 13.0 and 27.5 µg/m³.
Health advice from authorities
The general population was advised to observe their health, limit time spent outdoors and use protective measures when necessary. People were encouraged to adjust daily routines on days with high pollution.
Those with higher health risks were asked to further restrict outdoor activities, particularly in heavily affected “red” zones. In these areas, authorities recommended avoiding outdoor activities altogether and seeking medical advice if symptoms appeared.
Seven-day forecast: Rising trend in key regions
For central and western Thailand, as well as for 17 northern provinces, the forecast from 16 to 22 April 2026 indicated a rising trend in PM2.5 levels. The northeast was also expected to see an increase on 16 April, with continued vigilance required in specific areas afterward.
Bangkok and its surroundings were projected to see a general decline in pollution between 17 and 22 April. The east was likewise expected to improve, while the south was forecast to maintain its good air quality conditions.