BANGKOK, THAILAND – Bangkok authorities warned of hazardous fine dust pollution and considered ordering widespread home office to curb emissions.
Smog alert and warning of worsening air
The Pollution Control Department warned that stagnant air masses would sharply increase PM2.5 concentrations between 1 and 4 February.
“Stagnant air masses will worsen the situation, particularly in central and northwestern districts,”
said Pinsak Suraswadi, head of the Pollution Control Department. The situation in northern Thailand also remained critical, while Bangkok’s air quality stayed at an “orange” alert level and health effects were already noticeable.
Plan for citywide home office under review
City Hall announced it would act if readings between 31 January and 3 February rose further, with home office for all who could work remotely as the preferred measure. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt aimed to persuade businesses to cooperate in sharply reducing traffic emissions, potentially affecting millions of commuters. At the same time, authorities stepped up controls on major smog sources such as biomass burning, smoky vehicles and construction sites, while wind patterns remained unpredictable.
PM2.5 levels above safety limits in 13 provinces
Officials reported that 13 provinces, including Bangkok, Samut Sakhon and Chon Buri, recorded PM2.5 readings above the legal threshold. Peak levels on Sunday reached 62.1 micrograms per cubic metre, far above Thailand’s safety limit of 37.5 µg/m³ and the World Health Organization’s guideline of 25 µg/m³. The elevated pollution meant rising respiratory problems, eye irritation and heightened cardiovascular risks, as the tiny particles penetrated deep into the lungs.
Consumer group calls smog a “chronic national disaster”
The Thailand Consumer Council urged officials and the public not to downplay the crisis.
“PM2.5 is no longer a seasonal problem, but a chronic national disaster,”
said Monrudee Phoin, vice president of the council. She demanded immediate measures including free masks for at‑risk groups and remote learning for schools, and identified a proposed “Clean Air Act” as the long‑term solution.
Hospitals and residents under mounting pressure
According to the council, around 10 million people had already sought treatment in state hospitals in 2025 for smog‑related illnesses. Residents were advised to avoid outdoor activities, with exercise and long walks considered hazardous to health. Vulnerable groups such as children, older people and those with pre‑existing conditions were seen as particularly at risk, and air purifiers and FFP2 masks again became part of daily life as the city administration faced intense pressure to contain the crisis.