Bangkok and its vicinity are shrouded in a thick haze on Friday morning, as the amount of PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere has exceeded the standard threshold in 79 areas of the capital and 11 areas in surrounding provinces.

The Pollution Control Department reported, today, that the average level of PM2.5 in the air in the past 24 hours was measured at between 38.3-85.1µg/m³ (microns/cubic metre of air) against the standard level of 37.5µg/m³.

Nong Khaem district of Bangkok is most affected, with PM2.5 at 73.3µg/m³ and in Mueang district of Samut Sakhon, the highest level of PM2.5 was measured at 84µg/m³, said the department, as it cautions that the situation is tending to deteriorate further over the coming days.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department reported today that the southern part of the northern region, eastern and central regions, including Bangkok and its vicinity, are shrouded in dust and smoke due to poor air circulation and the weak air flow over the areas.

It also forecasts that the weather in the north will remain cool or cold in the next 24 hours, as temperatures are expected to fall slightly.

The north-eastern, central, southern and eastern regions will remain cool over the next 24 hours, with isolated thunderstorms in the southern provinces.