CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – Northern Thailand remained in a severe PM2.5 fine dust crisis, with many provinces reporting above-standard levels and some extreme peaks, prompting health warnings from authorities.
Latest situation report for 18 April
The Thai Communications Center for solving air pollution problems reported air quality monitoring results at 7:00 a.m. on 18 April. According to the update, PM2.5 concentrations in many regions across the country remained above the national standard. The most critical situation was observed in the northern part of the country.
Several provinces recorded exceedances, including Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, as well as Nan, Mae Hong Son, Phayao, Lamphun, Lampang, Phrae and Uttaradit. Elevated values were also reported in Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Lopburi, Saraburi, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi and Samut Songkhram. In the northeast and east, affected provinces included Nong Khai, Loei, Udon Thani, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Bua Lamphu, Khon Kaen, Kalasin and Ubon Ratchathani.
Northern region: The most critical area
In the north, exceedances were reported in most monitoring areas, with PM2.5 levels ranging from 53.0 to 264.6 µg/m³. Authorities described the situation as persistently very poor. They warned that the pollution could adversely affect the health of the population.
Northeast: Eight areas above the standard
In the northeast, exceedances were detected in eight areas, with recorded PM2.5 levels between 18.2 and 107.7 µg/m³. The report indicated that conditions varied across the region. However, some areas remained clearly burdened by fine dust pollution.
Central and western Thailand: Mostly above standard
In central and western Thailand, PM2.5 levels were mostly reported above the standard, ranging from 27.8 to 55.3 µg/m³. This meant that densely populated regions were also affected by the haze. The situation there was less extreme than in the north but still raised concerns for public health.
Eastern and southern regions: Overall good air quality
In the eastern region, overall air quality was reported as good, with PM2.5 concentrations between 14.0 and 27.3 µg/m³. According to the report, the south also experienced generally good conditions. Monitoring stations there recorded values from 14.8 to 24.0 µg/m³, remaining below the standard.
Bangkok and surrounding areas: Largely in the green zone
For Bangkok and the metropolitan region, monitoring stations of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), in cooperation with the city administration, reported overall good air quality. PM2.5 concentrations in the capital region ranged from 17.9 to 36.7 µg/m³. Most locations there were assessed as being in the green or acceptable range.
Health advice from authorities
Health guidance from the authorities advised the general population to monitor their health and reduce time spent outdoors where possible. People were urged to use protective measures, such as appropriate masks, in affected areas. Those particularly at risk were advised to further limit outdoor activities or wear protection and seek medical advice if symptoms occurred.
Warning for “red” areas
In areas classified as having health impacts, described as “red” zones, people were strongly advised to avoid outdoor activities whenever possible. Authorities recommended that residents in these zones take suitable protective measures to reduce exposure to fine dust. They explicitly advised consulting a doctor if any health symptoms appeared.