BANGKOK, THAILAND – Dangerous fine dust levels rose above the health standard in several parts of Thailand, with 18 provinces affected on 15 February 2026, according to the Center for Air Pollution Mitigation.
PM2.5 levels above standard in 18 provinces
In the late afternoon, CAPM reported widespread PM2.5 concentrations above the national standard, particularly in the Bangkok metropolitan area, the north and the northeast. Provinces over the limit included Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Sing Buri, Saraburi, Ang Thong, Uthai Thani and Kamphaeng Phet in the central and western regions, Nan, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun in the north, Loei, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Nakhon Ratchasima and Surin in the northeast, and Sa Kaeo in the east.
Regional readings show wide range of pollution
In the north, PM2.5 concentrations in five monitored areas were above the standard, ranging from 12.0 to 46.4 micrograms per cubic metre, CAPM reported. The northeast recorded exceedances in seven areas with values between 20.4 and 50.3 micrograms, while the central and western region saw three areas between 14.1 and 64.6, and the east reported one area with 16.1 to 52.7 micrograms per cubic metre.
Bangkok faces exceedances, south remains clear
For Bangkok and surrounding provinces, jointly monitored by the Pollution Control Department (PCD) and the city administration, three areas showed values from 11.2 to 42.2 micrograms per cubic metre, with several stations above the standard. In contrast, the south reported consistently very good to good air quality with values between 9.6 and 13.9 micrograms per cubic metre, which CAPM linked to strong ventilation and sea breezes.
Weak winds forecast to trap dust until 22 February
Based on weather and ventilation analyses for 16–22 February, CAPM expected almost all regions to face periods of poor air circulation and weak winds that would promote dust accumulation. The situation in the northeast was described as particularly tense, with the agency anticipating a continued rise in pollution until 22 February, associated with local emissions, open fires and cross-border pollution.
Bangkok commuters urged to prepare masks
For the Bangkok metropolitan area and Samut Prakan, CAPM forecast rising PM2.5 levels from 16–21 February, as poor ventilation in the mornings and evenings and easterly winds could trap pollutants. The agency advised commuters using public transport and outdoor workers to prepare protective masks.
Orange alert expected in most regions
In its phased warning plan, CAPM stated that from 16–17 February most regions, except the south, were likely to reach the orange zone where health effects begin. Between 18–20 February, the focus was expected to be on the Bangkok area and the northeast, while from 21–22 February the northeast and parts of Bangkok were to remain under observation due to persistently poor ventilation.
Schools told to move activities indoors
During the expected pollution peaks from 16–18 February, CAPM recommended that schools and public authorities in high-risk areas move outdoor activities indoors to limit children’s and adolescents’ exposure to fine dust. The agency urged the public to reduce time spent outside or wear N95 masks if necessary, and called on vulnerable groups such as children, older people and those with respiratory diseases to avoid outdoor activities and seek immediate medical advice if they experienced coughing, shortness of breath or eye irritation.
Online tools for real-time air quality checks
According to CAPM, up-to-date readings were available through the portals Air4Thai.com and airbkk.com, as well as the Air4Thai and AirBKK mobile apps.
“Current measurement data can be accessed via the Air4Thai.com and airbkk.com portals and the Air4Thai and AirBKK apps.”
said CAPM, encouraging residents to monitor conditions closely during the high-risk period.