BANGKOK, THAILAND – Authorities in the Thai capital warned of toxic fine dust and considered a sweeping work-from-home order as PM2.5 levels surged across the city.
Authorities warned of worsening smog episode
The Pollution Control Department cautioned that fine dust would build up massively between 1 and 4 February, even though the current weather pattern was expected to ease. Its chief Pinsak Suraswadi said stagnant air would trap pollutants in key parts of the city and beyond.
“Stagnant air masses will worsen the situation, especially in central and northwestern districts,”
said Pinsak Suraswadi, head of the Pollution Control Department.
Governor weighed broad work-from-home order
Bangkok remained at an “orange” alert level, but Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said health effects were already noticeable among residents. If readings continued to rise between 31 January and 3 February, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration planned to intervene by pushing home office arrangements for everyone able to work remotely.
The governor aimed to enlist companies’ cooperation to sharply cut traffic emissions, potentially affecting millions of commuters. At the same time, authorities increased monitoring of major smog sources such as biomass burning, smoky vehicles and construction sites, while wind patterns stayed unpredictable.
PM2.5 levels exceeded safety thresholds
Officials reported that 13 provinces, including Bangkok, Samut Sakhon and Chon Buri, recorded PM2.5 levels above the national limit. The peak value on Sunday reached 62.1 micrograms per cubic metre, far above Thailand’s safety threshold of 37.5 µg/m³ and the World Health Organization’s recommended maximum of 25 µg/m³.
The high concentrations meant more respiratory problems, burning eyes and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease for the population. The tiny particles were able to penetrate deep into the lungs, posing a serious health threat.
Consumer advocates called it a national disaster
The Thailand Consumer Council urged the public and policymakers not to play down the danger.
“PM2.5 is no longer a seasonal problem, but a chronic national disaster,”
said Monrudee Phoin, vice president of the Thailand Consumer Council.
She called for immediate relief measures such as free masks for at-risk groups and distance learning for schools. As a long-term solution, she pointed to a proposed Clean Air Act aimed at providing a legal framework for cleaner air.
Millions sought medical care for smog impacts
According to the council, some 10 million people sought treatment in state hospitals in 2025 for conditions linked to smog. The figures underscored the scale of the health burden associated with prolonged exposure to PM2.5.
Residents urged to stay indoors and mask up
For Bangkok residents, the warnings meant avoiding outdoor activities wherever possible, as sports and long walks were deemed hazardous in the polluted air. Vulnerable groups such as children, older people and those with pre-existing conditions were considered particularly at risk.
Air purifiers and FFP2 masks once again became everyday items in households across the capital. City officials came under intense pressure to get the crisis under control, with the coming week set to determine whether the drastic work-from-home measure would be put into effect.