People living in Bangkok are advised to suspend all out-door activities today, as the amount of PM2.5 dust has reached the Red (unhealthy) level in all but two districts, averaging 88.4 microns (µg/m³). The safe level 37.5µg/m³.
The Air Quality Information Centre of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration reports that, at 7am today, PM2.5 exceeded 75.1µg/m³ in 48 districts. The two remaining districts are in the Orange (unhealthy for sensitive groups) category.
Air pollution in the Thai capital forced the closure of more than 350 schools -- over a hundred more than the previous day -- city authorities said Friday, as Bangkok was ranked the world's 7th-most polluted major city by air quality monitor IQAir, AFP reported.
"Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has closed 352 schools across 31 districts due to air pollution," the authority said in a message shared on its official LINE group
The 12 worst affected districts are:
1. Nong Khaem, 108µg/m³
2. Kanna Yao, 107.7µg/m³
3. Min Buri, 105µg/m³
4. Thawi Wattana, 103.8µg/m³
5. Lak Si, 102.6µg/m³
6. Khlong Sam Wa, 101.5µg/m³
7. Bang Na, 101.2µg/m³
8. Nong Chok, 101µg/m³
9. Taling Chan, 99.9µg/m³
10. Bueng Kum, 99.5µg/m³
11. Lat Phrao, 98.8µg/m³
12. Phasi Charoen, 95.2µg/m³
Meanwhile, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported today that 2,712 trucks were stopped yesterday for defying the ban on operating inside the Ratchadapisek ring road without permission, adding that the drivers could face a month in prison and/or a fine of 2,000 baht if convicted.
He disclosed that several hotspots (fires) were detected in rice fields and sugarcane plantations around Bangkok yesterday.
Repeating his call for private businesses and the public sector to allow their employees work from, to reduce car exhaust emissions, the governor said that airborne pollution is expected to ease next week due to better air circulation.
Bangkok’s traffic police report that, since last October, 14,040 vehicle owners have each been fined 1,000 baht for exhaust emissions which exceeded the permissible level.
A yellow sticker was attached to each of the vehicles and they were barred from being used until the emission problem was fixed. If they continue to use the vehicle without repair, the owners face a fine of 5,000 baht.
According to AirNow, the PM2.5 airborne pollution categories are:
• Green = Good
• Yellow = Moderate
• Orange = Unhealthy for sensitive groups
• Red = Unhealthy
• Purple = Very unhealthy
• Maroon = Hazardous
(Source: www.airnow.gov)
