Construction of seven electric train lines, high-rise buildings and roads in Bangkok have been suspended for three days, starting today, at the order of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in order to reduce airborne PM2.5 dust.
The Pollution Control Department, meanwhile, reported this morning that 39 areas in Bangkok and four in its suburbs were found to have high levels of PM2.5 dust, measured to be between 37 and 76 microns, exceeding the 50-micron safety threshold.
Lat Phrao Soi 95 in Wang Thong Lang district, Tambon Khlong Koom in Bung Koom district were the worst affected areas, with 76 microns of PM2.5, followed by 72 microns in Tambon Thung Song Hong in Laksi district.
City Hall’s spokesman, Pol Captain Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, said yesterday that high atmospheric pressure, compounded by poor air circulation, is preventing fine dust particles from dispersing, hence the need to suspend construction of major projects.
He said that other activities, not directly related to construction, such as interior decoration of high-rise buildings, can continue, adding that the city administration has coordinated with the Industrial Works Department to send inspectors to check factories in and around Bangkok for excessive smoke discharge.
Only four areas in Bangkok’s suburbs exceed the 50-micron level. They are:
- Tambon Paknam in Muang district of Samut Prakan, 65 microns
- Tambon Bang Pood in Pakkred district of Nonthaburi, 57 microns
- Tambon Bang Kruei in Bang Kruei district of Nonthaburi
- Tambon Om Noi in Krathumban district of Samut Sakhon, 56 microns
