People living in Bangkok and its surroundings have been advised that accumulated PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere will exceed safety levels from Wednesday through Saturday of next week.

Atthaphol Charoenchansa, director-general of the Pollution Control Department, said air quality across the country, including Bangkok, remained well within the safety standard of 50 microns since measurements were taken at 7am this morning.

The readings today were:

• 15-39 microns in the northern region
• 11-28 microns in the north-eastern region
• 12-38 microns in the central and western regions
• 14-25 microns in the eastern provinces
• 8-19 microns in southern provinces
• 21-47 microns in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces.

Provinces with the best air quality yesterday were Lampang, Chiang Mai, Phetchabun, Roi-et Mukdahan, Buri Ram, Lop Buri, Kanchanaburi, Suphan Buri, Rayong, Chon Buri, Trat, Yala, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phuket.

Atthaphol said, however, that PM2.5 dust has been accumulating in the atmosphere over Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani and is expected to exceed safety levels by Wednesday.

He asked motorists in these provinces to reduce the use of their private cars and advised people in these areas to protect their health, refrain from outdoor activities and to wear face masks all the time when they are outdoors.