People living in Bangkok and 14 other provinces have been advised to refrain from outdoor activities, such as exercise, from today (Thursday) until Monday, due to worsening air pollution caused by the accumulation of PM2.5 dust in the air.
According to Pollution Control Department chief Atthapol Charoenchansa, the amount of PM2.5 exceeds the 50-micron standard level and is likely to peak this Saturday through Monday, when situation is expected to improve due to the arrival of north-easterly wind.
The levels of PM2.5 dust in the capital and surrounding provinces today range from 54 to 102 microns, with Paknam sub-district in Samut Prakan logging 103 microns, which is considered to be hazardous to health.
The other provinces experiencing poor air quality today are Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Prachin Buri, Chon Buri, Rayong and Khon Kaen.
The worst areas today are:
- Paknam sub-district in Samut Prakan, 103 microns.
- Ma Charoen-Phet Kasem 81 in Nong Khaem district of Bangkok, 84 microns.
- Mahachai sub-district in Samut Sakhon, 83 microns.
- Bang Na-Trat highway in Bang Na district, Bangkok, 78 microns.
- Lat Krabang Road in Lat Krabang district, Bangkok, 78 microns.
Atthapol is imploring motorists in and around Bangkok to limit the use of their cars, which will help reduce emissions, adding that burning of waste in the open should also be avoided.
