Bangkok residents have been advised to protect their health by wearing face masks while they are outdoors, but to avoid outdoor activities where possible, from today until the end of the month due to increased PM2.5 dust in the air over most parts of the capital.

Spokesman for City Hall, Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, said that fine dust from the burning of farm waste and forest fires has been carried, by the westerly and north-westerly winds, into the capital.

Compounded by poor air circulation in Bangkok, he said that the airborne pollutants have accumulated in the city, worsening the air quality and this condition is likely to persist for at least the next 4-5 days.

He assured the public, however, that city officials have sprayed water in the air and on roads to wash away dust, while police and officials from the Land Transport Department are continuing their checks of vehicle exhaust.