Poor air quality has been reported in 28 areas of metropolitan Bangkok today (Monday), with the amount of PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere exceeding safety limits, mainly due to stagnant air flow and an accumulation of airborne dust particles due to emissions from increased road traffic.
Bangkok’s Ma Charoen Road in Nong Khaem district topped the chart this morning with 68 microns of PM2.5 dust particles reported.
According to the coordination centre charged with solving the air pollution problems in Bangkok, the high level of PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere were found in:
• Northern Bangkok, which includes Bang Sue and Bang Khen districts, 42-55 microns.
• Eastern Bangkok, which includes Klong Sam Wa, Lat Krabang and Min Buri districts, 42-62 microns.
• Central Bangkok, which includes Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Wang Thong Lang and Phra Nakhon districts, 40-53 microns.
• Southern Bangkok, which includes Klong Toey, Phra Khanong and Pathumwan districts, 41-54 microns.
• Northern Thon Buri, which includes Thawee Wattana, Taling Chan and Klong San districts, 47-56 microns.
• Southern Thon Buri, which includes Phasi Charoen and Nong Khaem districts, 44-68 microns.
For the rest of Bangkok, air quality is up to standard, with PM2.5 dust lower than 50 microns.
High levels of PM2.5 dust usually occur during the cooler season, between December and February each year, due to the wind direction and weakness. The problem persists despite a ban on slash-and-burn agricultural practices and the use of artificial rainmaking.
