Air quality in and around Bangkok has improved during the past 24 hours with the level of PM2.5 dust in all areas well within the 50-micron standard, the Pollution Control Department reported today (Wednesday).

The department also predicted that the smog problem caused by PM2.5 would further ease tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has asked the public not to panic over the smog problem, adding that the government has been working continuously to address the issue.

He disclosed that about 600 factories in Bangkok and its peripherals, most of which use boilers in their production processes, have been ordered to close down temporarily for maintenance to reduce the emission of particulate matter into the atmosphere.

He said that the industrial, transport and agricultural sectors have been cooperating with the government in easing the smog problem by reducing their emissions, adding that the government will consider revising the air quality standard to be in line with that of the World Health Organization.

Regarding the water sprinkling operations, which have been described by several critics as being ineffectual, the Prime Minister said the operations should not be treated as a “joke” as they do help in easing the smog problem.

The media reported that, during a press conference at the Government House after the weekly cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister was seen carrying a hand-held device for measuring PM2.5 dust particles.