BANGKOK, THAILAND – A thick blanket of toxic smog left much of Thailand breathing hazardous air and triggered nationwide health warnings.
Nationwide air quality crisis
According to Gistda, 46 of Thailand’s 76 provinces were affected by dangerous concentrations of fine dust PM2.5. In Bangkok, the average PM2.5 level stood at 53.6 µg/m³, far above the legal limit of 37.5 µg/m³. The province of Samut Sakhon recorded the highest value at 60.7 µg/m³.
“These values are a concrete danger to public health.”
said an environmental physician. Children, older people and those with pre-existing illnesses were reported to be particularly at risk.
Hardest-hit provinces and districts
Provinces at the top of the smog list included Samut Songkhram, Nong Khai and Nonthaburi. They were followed by Nakhon Pathom, Maha Sarakham and Samut Prakan, while tourist destinations such as Chon Buri, Rayong and Prachuap Khiri Khan also faced polluted air. In Bangkok, the district of Nong Khaem was worst hit, with 59.4 µg/m³ measured.
“You can see the haze with the naked eye,”
said a resident.
Few remaining clean-air refuges
Only a handful of locations in the country still had comparatively good air quality. These included Buri Ram, Surin and Loei in the north, and Koh Chang in the east, while in the south Satun, Songkhla, Phuket, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Narathiwat were cited. Lampang was also listed among the places with cleaner air.
“You can still breathe freely here,”
said a tourist in Phuket. For many other parts of the country, residents were effectively advised to keep windows closed and wear masks.
Weather keeps smog trapped
The Meteorological Department reported that weather conditions had favoured the build-up of pollution. Poor air circulation was expected for Monday, Tuesday and Sunday, limiting the dispersal of PM2.5. A high-pressure system from Wednesday to Saturday was forecast to bring more wind and somewhat better conditions.
“People should avoid strenuous activities outdoors,”
said a government spokesperson, adding that pollution levels were highest in the early morning hours.
Protective measures and calls for action
Authorities strongly recommended the use of FFP2 masks outdoors, noting that normal cloth masks did not filter the tiny PM2.5 particles. Air purifiers were suggested for indoor spaces, and especially vulnerable groups were urged to leave their homes only when absolutely necessary.
“This crisis is man-made and needs political solutions,”
said an environmental activist. Until then, people in many regions were left to choose between enduring the smog or temporarily leaving affected areas.