Bangkok and 32 other provinces across Thailand are being affected by air pollution today (Thursday), with the likelihood that the problem will get worse tomorrow and Saturday, because of poor air circulation, resulting in the accumulation of airborne dust, according to the Pollution Control Department.

The department’s Air4Thai webpage today shows the amount of PM2.5 dust in 73 areas of Bangkok and its suburbs ranges from 51 to 108 microns, which exceeds the 50-micron safety threshold.

The three most polluted areas are Kanchanapisek Road in Bang Khun Thian district at 97 microns, Ma Charoen-Petkasem 81 in Nong Khaem district at 92 microns and Maha Chai sub-district, Muang district of Samut Sakhon at 108 microns.

Besides Bangkok, the 32 provinces which have poor air quality today are:

Pathum Thani / Nonthaburi / Nakhon Pathom / Samut Sakhon / Samut Prakan

Phayao / Chiang Mai / Lampang / Phrae / Uttradit / Sukhothai / Phitsanuloke / Tak

Phichit / Nakhon Sawan / Uthai Thani / Lop Buri / Saraburi / Suphan Buri

Prachin Buri / Sa Kaeo / Chachoengsao / Ratchaburi / Chon Buri / Rayong

Nong Khai / Nakhon Phanom / Khon Kaen Kalasin / Roi-et / Chaiyaphum / Nakhon Ratchasima

The air quality in the southern provinces is relatively better than in other regions, with the amount of PM2.5 being measured at between 13-37 microns.

The Pollution Control Department has advised people to avoid outdoor activities or to wear protective masks and to consult doctors if they develop symptoms associated with over-exposure to airborne dust.