Air quality in and around Bangkok will get worse over the next seven days, with increasing accumulation of PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere, as Thailand’s capital was placed 14th on World Air Quality Index (AQI) on Wednesday, according to the Pollution Control Department.
Air quality readings, compiled at 7am today (Friday) by the Pollution Control Department and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, show the levels of PM2.5 ranging from 39 to 96 microns, against the 50-micron standard level, with most areas having excessive dust.
Air quality in two areas of Bangkok and one in Samut Prakan are classified as unhealthy for sensitive people, due to higher levels of PM2.5 dust.
They are Thawee Wattana canal in Thawee Wattana district, 97 microns, Ma Charoen-Phetkasem 81 in Nong Khaem district, 101 microns and Paknam sub-district in Samut Prakan, 93 microns.
Elsewhere across Thailand, excessive levels of PM2.5 have also been detected today in Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Phitsanulok, Saraburi, Ratchaburi and Chon Buri.
Regional air quality readings are:
- Northern region, 22-51 microns
- North-eastern region, 18-45 microns
- Central and western regions, 39-67 microns
- Eastern region, 28-57 microns
- Southern region, 9-30 microns
People living in areas with excessive levels of PM2.5 should avoid outdoor activities and wear face masks outdoors.
