BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s environment agency warned that Chinese New Year celebrations were expected to add to air pollution from incense, fireworks and burning of offering paper, and called for adjusted traditions.
Agency warns of extra fine dust pollution
The director-general of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), Surin Wongkitthamrong, said that burning rituals linked to Chinese New Year often relied on incomplete combustion, releasing particularly high levels of pollutants. In addition to PM2.5, carcinogenic substances and other toxic gases were generated, which could adhere to smoke particles and enter the body via inhalation.
Health risks for vulnerable groups
Surin cautioned that inhaling large amounts of smoke over longer periods could significantly strain the airways and impair respiratory health. Children, older people and those with existing respiratory diseases were described as especially at risk, facing additional health burdens during the holiday period.
PM2.5 levels expected to rise in key regions
According to the agency, PM2.5 values were likely to rise between 16 and 17 February, in the middle of the Chinese New Year festivities. Areas expected to be affected included Bangkok, surrounding provinces, the central region and the southern part of the northern region, which already struggled regularly with poor air quality.
Weather conditions set to worsen air quality
Surin linked the projected increase in fine dust to almost stagnant air masses near the ground, which made it harder for the air to mix and dilute pollutants. This situation could allow fine particles to accumulate close to ground level for hours or days, making them easier for people to breathe in.
‘Reduce pollution, increase good fortune’ campaign
To counteract the problem, the PCD promoted the slogan “Reduce pollution, increase good fortune”, urging people to consciously cut down on smoke sources during the holidays and to tie health considerations to environmental protection. The agency called on the public to carefully adapt traditional rituals without abandoning their symbolic meaning, thereby reducing the burden on people and the environment.
Recommendations for adapted rituals
Among the suggestions was switching from traditional incense sticks to shorter sticks or electric incense alternatives in order to reduce the amount of fine dust produced. The PCD also recommended cutting the volume of burned offering paper and shortening the burning time of incense sticks to keep smoke generation as low as possible.
Safer burning and silent prayers
If burning was deemed ritually necessary, it should take place outdoors or in well-ventilated areas, Surin stressed, pointing to simple but effective protective measures. According to a report by the newspaper KhaoSod, the agency also encouraged people to rely more on silent wishes or prayers without additional fire and smoke.
Cleaner air as a lucky outcome
Surin underlined that these changes in behaviour would protect not only individual health and that of others, but also reduce air pollution at its source. The adjustments could help ensure that Chinese New Year was celebrated as a time of good fortune with cleaner air, making the festivities safer and more pleasant for everyone.
Parallel campaign against wildfires in Mae Hong Son
Earlier in the month, authorities in the northern province of Mae Hong Son had launched a joint campaign to prevent wildfires and cut air pollution in the region. Several leading representatives took part in a kick-off event in front of the town hall, highlighting the importance of coordinated action against smoke and fine dust.