Twenty-nine mostly central and northeastern provinces and 84 areas in and around Bangkok have excessive levels of PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere on Sunday, according to the Pollution Control Department.

In Bangkok and its surrounding provinces, the levels of PM2.5 were measured at 34.2-72.6μg, against the standard level of 37.5 microns (μg).

The worst affected areas in and around the capital are:

• Ma Charoen Road, Phet Kasem 81 in Nong Khaem district, 72.6μg.
• Khlong Thawee Wattana Road, Thawee Wattana district, 68.9μg.
• Rodfai Thon Buri 5 Road in Bangkok Noi district, 68.3μg.
• Mahachai sub-district, Mueang district of Samut Sakhon, 67.2μg.
• Phet Kasem Road in Phasi Charoen district, 66.9μg.

Other provinces with excessive PM2.5 are Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Sukhothai, Phitsanuloke, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Sing Buri, Lop Buri, Ang Thong, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Chachoengsao, Rayong, Nong Khai, Mukdahan, Kalasin, Yasothon, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram and Surin.

The levels of PM2.5 in the north-east range from 23.9-78.1μg. In the central and western regions, 23.0-70.1μg. In the eastern region, 15.9-44.4μg. In the south, 8.4-15.5μg and in the north, 9.7-51.5μg.

The Pollution Control Department is advising people in the affected areas to reduce their outdoor activities and to wear face masks when outside.